Sevenair's Flight Operations Halted

The regional airline Sevenair announced on Monday that it is currently unable to operate flights between Bragança and Portimão due to restrictions imposed by the Cascais Municipal Aerodrome. This situation arises from a disputed alleged debt.

In a statement, the company expressed its regret over the situation, stating that it is making every effort to resume normal operations. The core of the issue pertains to a supposed debt of €107,700 (plus VAT) that the Cascais Municipality, through its municipal company Cascais Dinâmica, claims is owed. Sevenair contests this debt, asserting that it does not owe the amount.

Due to the lack of payment, a Trás-os-Montes/Algarve flight that connects Bragança, Vila Real, Viseu, Cascais, and Portimão has been stranded at Tires Aerodrome in Cascais. Cascais Dinâmica stated that the suspension of services affects three out of six companies operating at the aerodrome.

In its communication sent to Lusa, Sevenair mentioned that it has requested clarification regarding the handling fee applied since 2022, which it believes has been incorrectly imposed. The municipality countered that multiple attempts to collect the debt have been made, noting that Sevenair had previously agreed to pay the owed amounts in three monthly installments, of which only the first payment was made.

The municipality emphasized its legal right to suspend services and retain assets from companies that owe money, including aircraft. They assured that once Sevenair fulfills its obligations, the suspension will be lifted.

Sevenair acknowledged facing financial difficulties due to delayed payments from the Portuguese Government and committed to working with the relevant authorities to resolve the impasse and ensure the continuation of services for the Portuguese population.

In a brief note, Hugo Espírito Santo, Secretary of State for Infrastructure, stated that he is monitoring the development of the dispute and sees no reason to suspend the regional air link.