The PSD secretary-general was in Bragança for the presentation of the current mayor, Paulo Xavier, for the October elections and heard the mayor speak about the goal of transforming the municipal airfield into a regional airport.

The PSD secretary-general told Lusa news agency that it is necessary to "study," "analyse," and understand the "conditions" under which this can be done. "If it is possible, the government should do everything it can to make it happen," he said.

However, understanding that it is a "very expensive" project that "involves several dynamics," Hugo Soares emphasised that it needs to be handled "responsibly" so as not to "mortgage everything else that needs to be done for Trás-os-Montes."

Hugo Soares acknowledged that it is a "very interesting" project for Bragança, which has been requested for several years, and that it would be "very important for the development of Trás-os-Montes."

Therefore, he assured that they will look "with all care and respect toward the creation of the airport," emphasising that the Government "always has the desire to combat desertification and territorial cohesion."

According to the Bragança airfield master plan, updated in May of last year, the project will cost almost €40 million, will be completed in eight phases, and is expected to take 10 years.