Portugal’s ANAC Reverses Course: Spanish Consortium Clece/South Excluded from Airport Handling Licenses
Lisbon, May 13, 2026 — In a dramatic turnaround that could reshape Portugal’s aviation sector, the National Civil Aviation Authority (ANAC) has formally initiated the exclusion of the Spanish consortium Clece/South from the ground handling license tender for the country’s three largest airports: Lisbon, Porto, and Faro. The decision, announced this week, follows months of controversy over the consortium’s eligibility and the potential implications for jobs, airline operations, and Portugal’s economic competitiveness.
The reversal comes after ANAC’s regulatory board determined that Clece/South failed to meet critical criteria outlined in the tender’s recovery plan, which required proof of financial stability, operational capacity, and compliance with Portuguese labor laws. The consortium, which includes Spain’s Iberia-owned South Group, had been favored in preliminary assessments but now faces an uncertain future as ANAC prepares to re-evaluate the bidding process.
For Menzies Aviation, the UK-based incumbent that lost the tender in October 2025, the news marks a potential rebound. The company has already welcomed the decision, signaling confidence in its ability to secure the licenses in a revised competition. Meanwhile, the Aviation and Airport Workers’ Union (Sitava) has hailed the move as a victory for stability, warning that the original award risked “ungovernability” and jeopardized the 4,000 jobs tied to ground handling services.
Why This Decision Matters: Jobs, Airlines, and Portugal’s Aviation Future
The ground handling tender is a cornerstone of Portugal’s aviation infrastructure, overseeing everything from baggage management to aircraft refueling and passenger assistance at the country’s busiest airports. The original award to Clece/South in October 2025 sparked immediate backlash from unions and competitors, who argued that the consortium lacked the necessary infrastructure and local expertise. Critics also pointed to AMAN Alliance warnings about “climate of instability” created by labor disputes during the tender process.
At stake are not just licenses but also the livelihoods of thousands of workers. Ground handling employs approximately 4,000 people across Portugal’s airports, with Menzies alone operating at Lisbon, Porto, and Faro since 2018. The sector’s labor-intensive nature makes it particularly sensitive to regulatory changes, and the uncertainty surrounding the tender has already prompted airlines to delay operational planning.
For Portugal’s economy, the stakes are equally high. Aviation contributes nearly €12 billion annually to the country’s GDP (ANA Airport of Portugal), with ground services accounting for a critical share. A prolonged dispute over handling licenses could deter investment and disrupt the flow of passengers and cargo through Lisbon’s Humberto Delgado Airport, the country’s busiest hub.
Who Wins and Who Loses in ANAC’s Decision?
Menzies Aviation: The UK-based company, which has operated in Portugal since 2018, stands to regain control of the licenses if it wins the revised tender. Menzies has emphasized its local roots, employing over 1,200 workers in Portugal and investing €50 million in infrastructure upgrades since 2020. In a statement, the company called the decision “a fair outcome for all stakeholders” and pledged to “continue delivering excellence in ground handling services.”
“We welcome ANAC’s decision to uphold the principles of fair competition and transparency. Our team in Portugal has been preparing for this moment, and we are confident in our ability to meet the highest standards for airlines and passengers alike.”
Clece/South Consortium: The Spanish-led group, which includes Iberia’s South Group and Clece (a subsidiary of Spain’s Ferrovial), has not yet commented publicly on the exclusion. However, industry sources suggest the consortium may explore legal challenges, citing procedural irregularities in ANAC’s review. The move could strain relations between Portugal and Spain, where Clece operates ground handling services at Madrid-Barajas and other major airports.
Aviation and Airport Workers’ Union (Sitava): The union, which represents ground handling staff, has praised ANAC’s decision as a victory for job security. In a statement, Sitava warned that the original award to Clece/South risked “serious consequences” for workers, including potential layoffs or wage cuts. The union also criticized what it described as “anarchy” during the tender process, attributing disruptions to “modest groups of irresponsible individuals.”
“This decision restores confidence in the regulatory process and protects the jobs of thousands of workers. We urge ANAC to ensure the new tender is conducted with full transparency and without interference from vested interests.”
Portuguese Airlines: Carriers such as TAP Air Portugal and easyJet have expressed relief at the clarity brought by ANAC’s decision. Uncertainty over ground handling providers had led to delays in flight scheduling and maintenance planning. TAP, which operates from all three airports, has stated that it will “monitor the new tender process closely” to ensure continuity of services.
What Happens Next: The Road Ahead for Portugal’s Airport Handling Tender
ANAC’s decision to exclude Clece/South triggers a new phase in the tender process, with the following key steps:
- Re-evaluation of Bidders: ANAC will reassess all remaining applicants, including Menzies and any other qualified consortia, against the original criteria. The authority has indicated that the timeline for this phase will be accelerated to avoid further disruptions.
- Public Consultation: Stakeholders, including unions, airlines, and airport operators, will have an opportunity to submit feedback on the revised tender documents. This phase is expected to last 4–6 weeks.
- Final Award Decision: ANAC aims to announce the new license holder by September 2026, allowing for a smooth transition by October 1, 2026—the original deadline for the Clece/South contract.
- Legal Challenges: Clece/South may file an appeal with Portugal’s Constitutional Court or Administrative Courts, arguing procedural errors. Such challenges could delay the final decision by several months.
For readers seeking updates, ANAC’s official website will publish tender documents and deadlines. Airlines and workers are advised to monitor ANA Airport of Portugal’s communications for operational adjustments.
Key Takeaways: What So for Portugal and Aviation
- Job Security: ANAC’s decision protects approximately 4,000 ground handling jobs from potential instability under Clece/South.
- Economic Impact: The tender’s outcome will influence Portugal’s €12 billion aviation sector, with ripple effects on tourism and cargo operations.
- Legal Uncertainty: Clece/South may appeal, prolonging the process but unlikely to overturn ANAC’s exclusion without strong evidence of procedural flaws.
- Menzies’ Advantage: The incumbent’s local expertise and infrastructure give it a strong chance to regain the licenses in the revised tender.
- Spain-Portugal Relations: The dispute highlights tensions between Portuguese regulators and Spanish-owned aviation firms, with broader implications for cross-border investments.
- Airlines’ Relief: Carriers can now finalize operational plans without fear of last-minute changes to ground handling providers.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is “ground handling,” and why is it important?
Ground handling refers to the services that support aircraft on the ground, including baggage loading, refueling, catering, passenger assistance, and aircraft maintenance. In Portugal, these services are critical for the smooth operation of Lisbon, Porto, and Faro airports, which handle over 40 million passengers annually (ANA Airport of Portugal). Disruptions can lead to delays, increased costs for airlines, and passenger dissatisfaction.
2. Why was Clece/South initially favored in the tender?
Clece/South’s bid was initially assessed as competitive due to its scale and Iberia’s backing, which provided financial guarantees. However, ANAC’s review revealed gaps in the consortium’s compliance with Portuguese labor laws and its ability to meet the tender’s recovery plan requirements, particularly regarding job security and service continuity.
3. How will the revised tender process work?
ANAC will reopen the bidding process, allowing qualified applicants—primarily Menzies—to resubmit proposals. The authority has emphasized transparency, including public consultations with unions, airlines, and airport operators. The goal is to finalize a decision by September 2026 to avoid operational disruptions.
4. Could this decision affect flight schedules?
While ANAC aims to minimize disruptions, airlines may need to adjust schedules if the tender process extends beyond September. Passengers are advised to monitor updates from their carriers and ANA Airport of Portugal for any changes.
5. What are the next steps for Clece/South?
Clece/South has not yet commented on its plans, but industry analysts suggest the consortium may pursue legal challenges in Portugal’s Administrative Courts. Such appeals typically take 3–6 months to resolve, during which the original tender decision remains in effect.
The next critical checkpoint is ANAC’s public consultation period, set to begin May 20, 2026, with feedback due by June 15, 2026. The authority has committed to publishing updated tender documents on its website by May 15, 2026, providing clarity for bidders and stakeholders.
This developing story underscores the delicate balance between economic competition, labor rights, and regulatory oversight in Portugal’s aviation sector. As the tender process unfolds, we’ll continue to monitor updates and their implications for airlines, workers, and travelers.
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