Lisbon, Porto, Faro, Madeira and Ponta Delgada Airports were distinguished by International Airport Organisation, ACI Europe, for “Best Airport” and “Best Hygiene Measures.”
These awards, which also highlight three other airports in the VINCI Airports network, recognise Portugal’s airports for their continued pandemic passenger safety commitment.
The “Best Airport” award looks at different passenger capacity airports across Europe. Lisbon was listed in the 25 to 40 million passengers category, Porto and Faro were included in the 5 and 15 million passenger category, while Ponta Delgada competed against other airports whose passengers were less than 2 million.
In response to the requirements of the current pandemic situation, ACI introduced a new award, the “Hygiene Award,” in order to recognise those airports which promote and create the most hygienic and safe environments for their passengers. Within the category the Portuguese airports of Porto, Faro, Madeira and Ponta Delgada stood out as among the best in Europe.
In this category, the merit attributed by ACI highlights the priority of ANA / VINCI Airports in updating health safety procedures and its continued effort to improve the experience of their passengers. All ANA / VINCI Airports airports have implemented protection measures since the beginning of the pandemic crisis (December 2019), in close collaboration with the Health authorities, adding measures and optimising processes whenever necessary. The global campaign “Protecting each other,” developed by VINCI Airports across its entire network, stands out as a testament to their commitment.
The ACI prizes were awarded under the international Quality of Airport Services (ASQ) programme, which aims to measure the overall satisfaction of passengers with the services and products offered, and to understand how their perspectives and expectations are changing under the current conditions. Implemented on a worldwide scale, this initiative identifies best practices as well as promoting competitiveness within the industry.
According to Luis Felipe de Oliveira, General Director of ACI World, “the awards demonstrate the focus of the winning airports in offering experiences of excellence, highlighting them as exemplary. It reinforces that, even under the current circumstances both passengers and the effort and commitment from those working within the airline industry are recognised.”
On receiving the reward, Thierry Liggonière, CEO of ANA Aeroportos de Portugal, stated: “In a year of uncertainty, our teams have shown commitment and resilience. We have been able to reinvent ourselves, adapt and innovate, ensuring the protection of everyone, for everyone. These awards show us that we are on the right path for the resumption of the aviation market.”
Samantha Gannon
info at madeira-weekly.com
