Demands Arise for Direct Flights Between Macau and Portugal
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Wanna know about the upcoming changes at Macau International Airport? Here's the lowdown! This badass airport, connected to the old world via direct flights to Europe, particularly Portugal, is about to undergo a massive overhaul, according to the Nova Esperança party's political bigwig, Coutinho.
Coutinho believes the airport's current limitations — like accommodating those colossal long-haul planes but lacking space to park them — will soon be history, thanks to an ambitious infrastructure expansion. Launched in November, this game-changer involves constructing a whopping 129-hectare landfill, with an aim to wrap up by 2030! With thisbadboy, the airport expects to handle a staggering 13 million passengers yearly, up from its current capacity of 9.6 million.
"Macau's airport needs a facelift, and we've finally got the balls to do it. Let's kick off our adventures right here at home, instead of schlepping all the way to Hong Kong for our international flights," Coutinho shouted out.
As of now, Macau's airport serves as a hub for 27 airlines, offering regular passenger flights to 41 destinations spread across mainland China, Taiwan, Southeast Asia, Japan, and South Korea. But Coutinho warns that the local government's financial aid policy could put a damper on things for some residents.
Last year, the government decided to tighten up their annual financial assistance program, limiting the perks to those who've spent at least 183 days in Macau during 2024. While there are exceptions, such as for folks living in the integrated Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area cities and students abroad, Coutinho thinks it's crucial to address injustices that affected retirees living in Portugal.
Case in point: old-school Macau cop Tony, a Portuguese expat who put in 40 years on the force but is now being screwed due to a predicament involving his vestigial patriotism. Fact is, Tony got stuck in Portugal after becoming a widower and moving in with his daughter, disqualifying him from receiving financial aid.
"Isn't that just a low-down dirty trick? I mean, the guy was practically a saint!" Coutinho questioned the press, obliquely referring to Tony’s long-time service in Macau's police force.
With regards to the planned direct flights to Europe, Coutinho said no specific destinations have been announced yet. But once this airport expansion project's done, who knows? Macau could potentially be your gateway to the old continent!
- Following the airport expansion plans in Macau, there might be upcoming direct flights to Portugal, providing an exciting opportunity for travelers interested in exploring the old world.
- In the midst of the airport's transformation, it's essential to address the concerns regarding financial assistance policies that affect expatriates like Tony, a Portuguese retiree, who despite his long-term service in Macau's police force, is currently ineligible for the financial aid program due to residency requirements.
- Amidst the political talks about Macau's airport upgrade, it's also important to keep track of general news and changes happening in Portugal, as these developments could potentially impact Macau's aviation lifestyle and connections with Europe.
