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Lisbon, Portugal – In a decisive effort to tackle the increasing delays at Lisbon Airport, the Portuguese government has deployed 48 additional police officers from the Public Security Police (PSP) starting today. This initiative aims to alleviate border control congestion, which has been notably impacted by the rollout of the Europe-wide Entry/Exit System (SES/EES). Many passengers have faced prolonged waiting times, with queues reportedly extending for hours as European authorities continue to impose new identification and monitoring protocols that began last October. The Ministry of Internal Administration emphasizes that this personnel boost is part of a comprehensive strategy designed to improve efficiency and ensure smoother entry for both local and international travellers.
The deployment is a key component of a national strategy to enhance airport security and border management, featuring the addition of new document control booths and electronic gates not only at Lisbon Airport but eventually at the Porto and Faro airports. Following consultations with national security agencies, the Portuguese government has prioritized immediate actions to reduce disruptions and improve the travel experience while remaining compliant with European regulations.
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As part of the expanded measures, 14 new document control booths will be operational in the arrivals area, increasing the total to 34. Additionally, the departure section will see four new booths, resulting in a total of 18. These improvements are aimed at accelerating processing times, minimizing bottlenecks, and enhancing overall passenger flow at one of Portugal’s busiest gateways.
The enhancements also include upgrades to the electronic gates, which are commonly utilized across Europe for automated verification processes. After the upgrades, 31 e-gates will be available for arrivals—an increase of 14—while departures will expand to 18 gates, adding four more units. These technological advancements are expected to streamline passenger screening, providing a faster and safer alternative to manual checks in line with European border security standards.
Looking ahead, Portugal plans to replicate these enhancements at other major airports, including Porto and Faro, following the completion of current upgrades at Lisbon Airport. From June through July, additional document control booths and electronic gates will be introduced at these locations to bolster national border control infrastructure.
Furthermore, a notable increase in personnel is scheduled for July, with 360 new officers designated for the National Foreigners and Borders Unit (UNEF). These officers will be strategically deployed across airports in Portugal, reinforcing national border security and ensuring consistent operational standards for incoming and outgoing passengers.
The recent implementation of the SES/EES has contributed to longer waiting times at airports throughout Europe. Data from ACI Europe indicates that peak congestion at border control can reach up to 3.5 hours, nearly double the two-hour average documented earlier in April. Lisbon Airport has particularly felt the brunt of these changes, prompting intervention from senior government officials.
Prime Minister Luís Montenegro expressed his dissatisfaction regarding responses from border services at airports, especially at Lisbon, stressing the need for urgent action. The strategic deployment of officers, along with the expansion of booths and e-gates, represents a direct response to these challenges and underscores the government’s commitment to implementing efficient and timely solutions.
Travellers heading to Portugal, as well as those connecting through Lisbon Airport en route to countries like Spain, France, and Italy, should prepare for potentially longer processing times during peak periods. Although the resource expansion is anticipated to enhance efficiency significantly, awareness of possible delays is recommended until all upgrades are fully operational.
The Ministry assures that border procedures will undergo continuous monitoring, with additional adjustments made as necessary to meet European Union security standards while delivering high-quality service to passengers.
These initiatives are expected to lead to smoother operations and reduced wait times at Lisbon Airport, restoring confidence among travellers. The comprehensive national strategy, which includes upgrades at Porto and Faro airports, ensures that Portugal aligns with broader European security requirements while improving the overall travel experience.
The enhanced presence of 48 additional officers, the expansion of control booths, and the introduction of new e-gates at Lisbon Airport are significant strides toward alleviating long-standing delays. With further improvements on the horizon for Porto and Faro airports and an upcoming increase in personnel, Portugal is poised to strengthen its border security and passenger satisfaction across the country. These measures highlight the government’s ongoing commitment to ensuring that international travel through Portugal remains efficient and secure.
Source: The post Portugal Strengthens Lisbon Airport Border Control by Deploying 48 Additional Police Officers and Expanding E-Gates to Reduce Europe-Wide Entry Delays first appeared on www.travelandtourworld.com.
