• Lisbon, Porto, Faro and Ponta Delgada airports considered among the best in their classes in Europe

• Porto, Faro, Madeira and Ponta Delgada airports among the best in Europe for hygiene measures

• ACI recognises Aeroportos de Portugal for the quality of the services provided

• ANA/VINCI Airports recognised for their response to the COVID-19 pandemic

Lisbon, Porto, Faro, Madeira and Ponta Delgada airports have received awards from ACI Europe, International Airport Organisation, for “Best Airport” and “Best Hygiene Measures”. These awards, which also single out three other airports in the VINCI Airports network, give recognition to Aeroportos de Portugal for its continued focus on the passenger experience and passenger safety during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The “Best Airport” award also takes the size of the airports in the European region into account. Lisbon won the award in the 25 to 40 million passengers category. Porto and Faro won in the 5 to 15 million passengers category and Ponta Delgada for airports with less than 2 million passengers.

Bearing in mind the demands of the current pandemic crisis, ACI introduced a new “Hygiene Award” aimed at recognising the capacity of airports to ensure clean and safe environments and the maintenance of the measures necessary to respond to the needs and expectations of passengers. Porto, Faro, Madeira and Ponta Delgada airports were among the best in Europe in this new category.

In this category, the award presented by ACI highlights the priorities of ANA/VINCI Airports in updating health safety procedures and the constant attention to improving the passenger experience. All ANA/VINCI Airports have implemented protection measures since the beginning of the pandemic crisis (December 2019), in close cooperation with the health authorities, adding measures and optimising processes whenever necessary. Of note is the global campaign, "Protecting each other", developed by VINCI Airports throughout its network.

ANA/VINCI Airports is committed to contributing to the national efforts to mitigate infection, ensuring the continuity of the public service it provides as safely as possible. Also of note is the efficient, streamlined response in the implementation of health measures, as well as the focus on innovation in passenger contact processes during all interactions, which made it possible for Portuguese airports to remain fully operational all last year.

ACI presented its awards under the scope of the international ASQ, Airport Service Quality, programme, aimed at measuring passenger satisfaction with the products and services provided and understanding how their perspectives and expectations have been changing. Implemented worldwide, this initiative identifies best practices and promotes competitiveness in the industry.

According to Luis Felipe de Oliveira, Director-General of ACI World, “the awards show the focus of the winning airports on offering excellent experiences, highlighting them as exemplary.” He added that, even given the circumstances, the voices of passengers recognise the work and commitment of the teams in providing superior quality services.

Thierry Ligonnière, CEO of ANA – Aeroportos de Portugal, pointed out the importance of this recognition: “In a year of uncertainty, our teams have shown commitment and resilience. We were able to reinvent ourselves, adapt and innovate, assuring the protection of all, for all. These awards show us that we're on the right track towards the recovery of the aviation market, with the trust that is needed in the new passenger experience.”