Menzies Aviation has secured seven-year licences to provide ground handling services at Portugal’s three largest airports, following the completion of a tender process conducted by the country’s National Civil Aviation Authority (ANAC).
The licences cover Lisbon, Porto and Faro, giving the aviation services provider long-term authorisation to continue its operations at the country’s main airport hubs. ANAC confirmed that SPdH – Serviços Portugueses de Handling, SA, had fulfilled the applicable legal and regulatory requirements and demonstrated the technical capacity needed to deliver ground handling services to third-party customers.
Under the terms of the licences, baggage handling is authorised at all three airports. Cargo and mail handling services are included at Lisbon and Porto, while other ground handling operations can be carried out across Lisbon, Porto and Faro.
Seven-year licences provide a foundation for future investment
Menzies Aviation said the new licences would offer greater long-term certainty to its customers, employees and airport partners. The company also expects the authorisations to support further investment and continued growth throughout its Portuguese operations.
Portugal represents one of Menzies’ largest markets in Europe. The company employs more than 3,500 people in the country and supports over 100,000 aircraft turns annually. Its network extends beyond Lisbon, Porto and Faro to include Funchal and Porto Santo airports in Madeira.
The latest development follows Menzies’ expansion of its ownership of SPdH. In 2024, the company acquired a majority stake in the Portuguese ground handling business from TAP Air Portugal before completing the acquisition of the remaining shares in June 2026. Previously known as Groundforce Portugal, SPdH continues to serve TAP, which remains a customer of Menzies Aviation.
Portugal’s strategic role in international aviation
Hassan El-Houry, Chief Executive Officer of Menzies Aviation, described Portugal as a strategically important market because of its connections between Europe, North America, South America and Africa.
He also highlighted the investments the company has made in recent years to strengthen its Portuguese operations, develop its workforce and enhance its service capabilities.
Miguel Gomez Sjunnesson, Executive Vice President Europe at Menzies Aviation, pointed to the continued expansion of Portugal’s aviation market. The country welcomed a record 72.5 million passengers in 2025, representing a 4.7% increase compared with the previous year.
According to Gomez Sjunnesson, the seven-year licences will give Menzies the stability needed to plan future investments and continue supporting customers as the market evolves.
ANAC emphasises transparency and regulatory oversight
ANAC stated that the tender procedure was conducted in accordance with the principles of legality, transparency, impartiality and equal treatment among competitors.
The authority also confirmed that it will continue monitoring compliance with the legal, regulatory and operational requirements governing the licensed activities.
The award provides Menzies Aviation with a longer-term operating framework in Portugal, as passenger traffic continues to grow and the company maintains its presence across the country’s principal airport hubs.
