The Web Summit organization warned of a “shortage of slots [espaços horários para aterrar ou descolar] for private jets” at Lisbon Airport (LIS) and at smaller airfields in the region, during the event days – between 10 and 13 November.
According to a communication released this Thursday by the organization, the capital’s airport “is having difficulties managing the volume of traffic”, which is resulting in the impossibility of authorizing new landings and take-offs for private aircraft.
“Nearby airports are also running out of availability, which is why some guests, especially those traveling on larger planes, are finding that the only slots viable routes are now more than two hours away by car from Lisbon, including at airports in Spanish territory”, the note reads.
As an alternative, the event organizers are recommending that participants travel on commercial flights to the Portuguese capital. “We strongly recommend that you fly on commercial flights to Lisbon. Web Summit is just a 15-minute drive from the city’s main airport”, adds the same communication.
The assignment of slots is carried out by the Office of Coordination of Slotsresponsible for defining aircraft landing and take-off times. This office was integrated into ANA, which manages national airports, but was transferred to NAV Portugal – the company responsible for air traffic control – in March 2020.