Zest

The new Beja Airport located in Alentejo, due to open in March 20010   has encountered yet further delays. The opening of this airport has now been put back to March 2011.   It is believed that the delays are entirley due to the current economic situation, rather than the readiness of the airport itself. It is believed that the airport infrastructure is complete and ready to receive passengers. The lack of a major carrier prepared to operate services out of Beja Airport is also likely to be a major reason behind the latest delays. It had been assumed that Ryanair could be such a carrier, however, with Ryanairs recent half a billion investment at Faro airport, it is thought that it is unlikely that they will operate services from Beja Airport. Ryanair has based 7 new aircraft at Faro airport, creating up to 1,700 local jobs in the area. Certainly very good news for the Algarve and Portugal too. Ryanair will service many new european destinations from Faro aiport. In the meantime those of us who are keen to see Beja Airport open await with baited breath. No doubt Beja Airport Directors will too.