Portugal Strengthens Lisbon Airport Border Control by Deploying 48 Additional Police Officers and Expanding E-Gates to Reduce Europe-Wide Entry Delays
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Lisbon, Portugal – In response to mounting delays at Lisbon Airport, a total of 48 additional police officers from the Public Security Police (PSP) have been assigned to the airport from Friday. The measure is aimed at easing congestion at border control, which has been increasingly affected by the implementation of the Europe-wide Entry/Exit System (SES/EES). Passengers have recently experienced extended waiting times, with queues stretching for hours, as European authorities gradually enforce the new identification and monitoring protocols introduced last October. The Portuguese Ministry of Internal Administration has confirmed that this reinforcement of personnel and resources is part of a broader strategy to improve efficiency and ensure smoother passage for both domestic and international travellers arriving in Portugal.
The deployment forms part of a nationwide plan to strengthen airport security and border management, including the addition of new document control booths and electronic gates, not only in Lisbon but later extending to Porto and Faro airports. The Portuguese government, in consultation with national security agencies, has prioritised immediate action to mitigate disruptions and enhance the experience of travellers while adhering to European regulations.
Expansion of Border Control Infrastructure
To complement the deployment of additional officers, 14 new document control booths will become operational at arrivals, raising the total to 34. Departures will also see an increase of four booths, bringing the total to 18. These enhancements are designed to accelerate processing times, reduce bottlenecks, and improve overall passenger flow at one of Portugal’s busiest international gateways.
Electronic gates, widely used across Europe for automated verification, are also being upgraded. Arrivals will feature 31 e-gates, an increase of 14, while departures will see an expansion to 18 gates, with four additional units installed. These upgrades aim to leverage technology to streamline passenger screening, offering a faster and safer alternative to manual checks while complying with European border security standards.
National Reinforcement Plans for 2026
Portugal has indicated that following the completion of the current expansion and installation works at Lisbon Airport, similar measures will be rolled out in other major airports, including Porto and Faro. During June and July, the number of document control booths and electronic gates at these airports will be increased to strengthen border control capacity nationwide.
Additionally, a significant boost in personnel is planned from July onwards, with 360 new officers assigned to the National Foreigners and Borders Unit (UNEF). These officers will be distributed among airports across Portugal, reinforcing national border security and ensuring consistent operational standards for all incoming and outgoing passengers.
Impact of the Europe-Wide Entry/Exit System
The implementation of the SES/EES system has led to longer waiting times at many European airports. According to data from ACI Europe, peak congestion at border control posts has reached up to 3.5 hours, nearly double the two-hour average recorded earlier in April. Lisbon Airport has been notably affected, prompting intervention from the highest levels of the Portuguese government.
Prime Minister Luís Montenegro previously expressed dissatisfaction with the response provided by border services at airports, particularly Lisbon, highlighting the urgent need for immediate action. The deployment of officers, along with the expansion of booths and e-gates, represents a direct response to these concerns and aligns with the government’s commitment to effective and timely measures.
Passenger Experience and Travel Advisory
Travellers arriving in Portugal, as well as those connecting through Lisbon Airport to destinations in Spain, France, and Italy, are advised to anticipate longer processing times during peak hours. The expansion of resources is expected to significantly improve efficiency, but passengers are encouraged to remain aware of potential delays until all enhancements are fully operational.
The Ministry has assured that border procedures will be continuously monitored, and additional adjustments will be made as necessary to ensure compliance with European Union security standards while maintaining a high level of passenger service.
Future Outlook for Portuguese Airports
With these measures, Lisbon Airport is expected to achieve smoother operations and reduced wait times, restoring confidence among travellers. The nationwide plan, which includes similar upgrades at Porto and Faro airports, ensures that Portugal remains aligned with broader European security mandates while enhancing the convenience and safety of air travel.
The strategic deployment of officers, alongside technological improvements in e-gates and document control booths, underscores Portugal’s proactive approach to managing border security challenges. These efforts are projected to strengthen passenger confidence and ensure that Portugal continues to be a safe and efficient gateway for international travellers visiting Europe.
The reinforced presence of 48 additional police officers, expansion of control booths, and new e-gates at Lisbon Airport mark a significant step toward resolving long-standing delays. With similar improvements planned for Porto and Faro airports and a nationwide increase of 360 officers in the UNEF, Portugal is set to enhance border security and passenger experience across the country. These measures reflect the government’s commitment to ensuring that travellers can move efficiently while upholding rigorous European standards, making air travel safer and more reliable for all passengers.
