The final of the Champions League taking place in Lisbon this Saturday 24th May between Madrid teams Real and Atlético has filled Lisbon airport landing slots for aircraft bringing fans to the capital, many of whom do not have tickets to the game.
So far over 280 private and 50 charter flights are scheduled to land in Lisbon representing 75% more landings than on a normal Saturday.
Some of these aircraft will be stationed at Lisbon Airport which officially is full up as from May 23rd to 25th, according to French-owned airports operator ANA.
At last a use has found for Beja airport; it is now an overflow parking space for 15 to 20 aircraft. Oporto will take 60 aircraft and even Faro in the Algarve will house 35 aircraft as Lisbon's Portela airport has run out of space.
In all, 7,500 charter passengers and 2,800 passengers on private flights will bring over 10,000 fans through Lisbon airport, an increase of 20% compared to normal flow rates.
Portuguese police estimate that at least 60,000 fans without tickets will converge on Lisbon this weekend, as many again as can fit in the stadium, and are on alert with substantial numbers in reserve should there be any trouble.
Spanish police estimate that 70,000 Spaniards will travel to the Lisbon final, 75% of them will take the A5 motorway that connects Madrid to Lisbon about 650 kilometres away.
