International Manifesto Calls for Airport Expansion Freeze—Portuguese Groups Sign On

Over 100 organizations spanning 25 countries have united behind an international manifesto calling for a halt to airport expansions and a reduction in air traffic—a direct challenge to aviation's dependence on fossil fuels and climate priorities.

Why This Matters

• Airport freeze: The manifesto demands an immediate suspension of all new airport expansion projects worldwide.

• Private jets targeted: The document calls for a ban on private jets and night flights, citing their climate and noise impact.

• Worker protections: Unlike many environmental proposals, this one explicitly guarantees a fair transition for aviation workers, acknowledging the jobs at stake.

• Portugal involvement: Portuguese groups including ATERRA, Climáximo, Habita, and Linha Vermelha have already signed the declaration.

What This Means for Residents

For people living in Portugal, the manifesto has immediate relevance. The country has been grappling with nighttime flight violations at Aeroporto Humberto Delgado in Lisbon, where noise pollution has become a public concern. Environmental and residents' associations in Lisbon have called for stricter enforcement of existing night flight regulations.

If the manifesto's recommendations gain traction, residents near airports could see relief from noise and air pollution. A curfew on night flights and restrictions on noisy aircraft are already in discussion by Portuguese authorities. The manifesto would formalize and expand these measures nationwide.

A Global Coalition Takes Aim at Aviation

The Stay Grounded network—a global alliance of over 200 initiatives encompassing neighborhood groups affected by airports, environmental NGOs, and labor unions—coordinated the manifesto titled "A Red Line for Airports". Launched in late April 2026, the declaration frames aviation as dependent on fossil fuels and calls for sustainable alternatives.

According to the manifesto, aviation faces a structural challenge from fuel costs and market volatility. The coalition argues that the sector's dependence on finite fossil fuel reserves and vulnerability to global shocks demonstrates the fragility of an industry built on extractive resources.

"As airlines face rising costs and uncertainty, the sector's dependence on finite fossil fuel reserves and its vulnerability to global shocks and long-term instability becomes evident," the manifesto states.

Key Measures Outlined

The manifesto outlines specific measures designed to halt airport expansion and reduce air traffic in line with climate goals:

According to Stay Grounded, the declaration includes measures to:

Suspend all new airport expansion projects immediately

Ban private jets, which emit disproportionately high carbon per passenger

Prohibit night flights to protect public health and reduce noise pollution

Impose strict carbon emission limits on airports, integrating them into national emission budgets

Additional proposals address tax structures that make flying artificially cheap, including jet fuel tax exemptions and ticket subsidies that distort the environmental cost of air travel.

The Worker Question

One of the manifesto's key elements is its focus on a just transition for aviation workers. This reflects recognition that environmental transitions must address the livelihoods of those employed in affected industries.

The manifesto's call for fair transition includes guarantees of retraining, income support, and alternative employment in sustainable sectors. Labor organizations have noted that workers themselves increasingly support corporate sustainability targets, viewing them as both necessary and important for industry stability.

Political and Economic Context

Airlines are facing significant financial pressures. The sector operates on narrow margins, particularly low-cost carriers vulnerable to fuel price volatility. Industry representatives argue that aviation supports millions of jobs globally and provides critical connectivity, especially to remote or island regions.

The manifesto counters that the current model requires fundamental change. It cites the finite nature of fossil fuel reserves, the sector's contribution to climate change, and the urgency of sustainable alternatives. Aviation accounts for roughly 2-3% of global CO₂ emissions, though its full climate impact including non-CO₂ effects is considered higher.

Open for Signatures

The declaration is open for signatures from civil society groups and individuals. Portuguese organizations have been among the early signatories, reflecting growing domestic support for climate action that addresses both emissions and quality of life.

Stay Grounded describes itself as a platform for equitable reduction of air traffic and a fair mobility system. Its initiatives span airport-affected communities, labor unions, climate justice groups, and policy advocates.

A Test of Policy Action

Whether the manifesto translates into policy will depend on political commitment and public engagement. Portugal is already tightening night flight regulations at Lisbon airport. Other countries including Belgium, South Korea, and the United States have seen similar advocacy movements.

For residents of Portugal and elsewhere, the manifesto provides a framework to demand accountability, protect public health, and align aviation policy with climate science. Its success will depend on how many people and policymakers choose to prioritize these goals.