“We will ensure, throughout this period, the safety and integrity of the airspace. There will be exclusion zones in Lisbon and Fátima, in which all air activity in the country will be perfectly scrutinized, monitored, always in coordination with the security forces and services”, said the Air Force Chief of Staff to the Lusa agency (CEMFA), Cartaxo Alves.
Considered the biggest event of the Catholic Church, WYD will take place between the 1st and 6th of August in Lisbon and will be attended by the head of the Catholic Church, who will also be in Fátima on the 5th of August. Cartaxo Alves stated that the Portuguese Air Force (FAP) will have several units for logistical support for WYD, but its activity will be more committed "mainly during the period of Pope Francis' presence in Portugal", which takes place between August 2 and 6.
“It will be a continuous activity while the Pope is in Portugal”, he underlined, adding that “the FAP will have drones, helicopters, surveillance planes and air defense planes in the air”. The Air Force Chief of Staff explained that control of commercial flights is carried out by the NAV (Air Navigation), which is the entity that provides air traffic services, which will be “in permanent coordination with the FAP”.
Cartaxo Alves warned people who usually use drones to comply with the foreseen rules because there will be anti-drone systems to intercept them. The use of drones will be prohibited in some areas, namely in the sanctuary of Fátima, Parque Tejo-Trancão and Parque Eduardo VII.
Pope Francis will arrive at the military airport of Figo Maduro, in Lisbon (August 2), where the FAP will hold a reception, and will also be transported to Fátima in a helicopter, as has happened on previous visits.