VINCI Airports announces a new terminal at Porto Santo Airport in Portugal

27th June 2023

Designed to improve the airport’s capacity and to contribute to reduce its carbon emissions, the new terminal project presented by VINCI Airports will also have a strong focus on operational flow management and service quality.

Integrated in the surroundings and natural resources of the island, the New Terminal will combine sustainability and operability. The project was designed to provide fluidity in the boarding and disembarkation routes, focusing on comfort and quality of service for passengers and the airport community.

Sustainable construction strategies were included, from solar protection and natural ventilation to water reuse and choosing environmentally sustainable materials. The terminal is compliant with the NZEB European regulation. The architectural approach aims to provide a safe and pleasant passenger experience, favouring natural lighting and green spaces.

With this investment, Porto Santo Airport increases its passenger processing capacity per hour in the several airport subsystems: check-in, security screening positions, baggage claim and baggage handling system – benefiting the Region’s tourism activity and operational challenges.

Intended to be a reference in terms of sustainability, this terminal is also characterised by its energy efficiency:

  • energy management and efficiency energy equipments are part of decarbonization plan, which allowed to reduce by 90% the internal emissions (scopes 1 and 2) in 2022, compared with 2018 ;
  • the future 176kWp-photovoltaic plant developed by SunMind, VINCI Concessions subsidiary dedicated to solar energy, which will ensure the production of 25% of electricity for self-consumption ;
  • the supply of electricity and air conditioning to aircraft, allowing the auxiliary power units (Air Power Unit) to be switched off when parked ;
  • a full electric fleet.

VINCI Airports continues its commitment to the Autonomous Region of Madeira, presenting more routes and frequencies, essential for the connectivity of residents and for the development of tourism in the archipelago.

In 2023, Porto Santo Island is directly connected to the cities of Lisbon, Porto, London, Manchester, Billund, Copenhagen and Milan.

The connectivity is improved with a strong focus on environmental and sustainability concerns. The 10 Portuguese airports of the VINCI Airports/ANA Aeroportos de Portugal network have recently obtained the maximum level of Airport Carbon Accreditation certification, 4+, which results from the implementation of VINCI Airports’ decarbonisation plan at Portuguese airports, which have already reduced their direct emissions by 49% since 2018.

In addition, VINCI Airports’ Reforestation Programme at Porto Santo, a partnership with the IFCN – Institute of Forests and Nature Conservation, will have a second phase later this year, allowing the capture of residual emissions (scopes 1 ad 2) from Porto Santo Airport until 2062.