“The works will be carried out between 2025 and 2030 in several stages. The objective, obviously, is always to keep the airport operational. We are working on an airport expansion project that is already processing passengers,” said the CEO of ANA - Aeroportos de Portugal, Thierry Ligonnière, to journalists at the presentation of the expansion plan for that infrastructure.

The redevelopment plan includes doubling the terminal area, which will provide Ponta Delgada airport with an additional 15,000 square meters.

The project includes increasing the check-in area, which will have "more than double the current capacity," and expanding the boarding gates, security control, and border control rooms.

"The first stage is to free up capacity on this side, where we are [current VIP lounge], to carry out an initial capacity expansion, while simultaneously working on the other side of the terminal. This phase begins in 2027," he said.

The chairman of the board of directors of ANA, which is part of the Vinci group, thanked the Regional Government (PSD/CDS-PP/PPM) for its "availability" and highlighted the "radical change" that the João Paulo II airport in Ponta Delgada will undergo.

"This project is a radical change and a sign of Vinci and ANA's commitment to the Azores," reinforced José Luis Arnaut.

In turn, the President of the Regional Government signalled the “fulfilment of the commitment” by ANA “following a just demand” from the region regarding the need to “increase the installed capacity” of the archipelago's busiest airport.

“We will be taking a step forward. Not a reaction, but rather an action in preparing the installed capacities in the Azores to properly welcome our visitors and Azoreans by air,” he emphasized.

Deadlines

José Manuel Boleiro also warned that the Government of the Azores will be “vigilant” regarding the fulfilment of deadlines.

“We will be vigilant regarding the fulfilment of these commitments. The government does not dispense with an attitude of vigilance and monitoring to ensure compliance with these deadlines and goals.”

On the occasion, the CEO of ANA also highlighted that approximately 20 million euros have already been invested in the airports of Ponta Delgada and Horta.

In Ponta Delgada, interventions were carried out on the external facades, including the replacement of floors, walls, and ceilings, the installation of new furniture and signage, and the implementation of new technologies, totaling approximately €10 million.

Horta Airport also received an investment of €10 million for works on the cladding and in the control and security areas, boarding and disembarking areas, and commercial space.

On August 30, 2023, the president of ANA revealed that João Paulo II Airport in Ponta Delgada would be expanded by 4,000 square meters by 2027, increasing its current area by 30%.