Menzies (SPdH) appealed to the Administrative and Fiscal Court of Lisbon, presenting an injunction that challenges the structure and conduct of the competition launched by the National Civil Aviation Authority (ANAC) for the granting of ground handling licenses at the main Portuguese airports.
In the action, the company asks that the process be subjected to checks that ensure “technical rigor, operational realism and legal solidity” before any final decision is made. Menzies maintains that the design of the competition and the criteria applied “do not adequately reflect the operational dimension, complexity and security requirements inherent” to the activities of handling at the busiest airports.
He also warns of the absence of a robust transition framework between operators, pointing out a lack of clear provisions on the transfer of workers, operational knowledge and critical resources, factors that, he says, “significantly increase the risk of operational disruption”, especially as the summer season approaches. Without a structured transition, adds the company, there is a concrete risk of disruptions that could affect passengers, airlines, workers and the image of Portugal as a tourist destination.
Menzies identifies three critical areas where the tender raises concerns: operational capacity, safety and impact on passengers and tourism. According to the company, the analysis of the process appears to have privileged the formal verification of documentation to the detriment of an in-depth assessment of whether “staffing levels, equipment and operational schedules are realistically aligned” with real requirements, particularly in periods of high traffic and overlapping flights.
The company questions the operational viability of the selected proposals, warning that insufficient resources could result in delays, problems with luggage and degradation of the travel experience. The chosen consortium is also described as “relatively new to the market”, which, in Menzies’ understanding, requires additional technical scrutiny in relation to the specificities of Lisbon Airport and other congested hubs.
Menzies recalls its international experience — presence in 350 airports — and states that the precautionary measure aims to ensure that the final decision ensures “operational resilience, safety and compliance with best international practices”, protecting workers and passengers. The company claims to remain available to collaborate with authorities in the search for solutions that reinforce the stability and quality of airport services.
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