According to data from the PSP and the office of the secretary general of the Internal Security System, between October 29, 2023 and February 29, 2024, more than 4.8 million passengers were checked (4.4 million in the same period last year) , detained 83 (215) and refused entry to 1,237 (1,049).

The data made available to Lusa also indicates that the PSP detected 240 cases of document fraud in the first four months of air border control since the extinction of the Foreigners and Borders Service (399 in the same period last year).

In the same period, 240 (plus 13) requests for international protection were registered.

In total, the PSP controls the air borders at nine border posts: Lisbon, Porto, Faro, Madeira, Terceira, Santa Maria, São Miguel, Porto Santo and Beja.

Although they are not considered air border posts, the PSP also carries out border control functions at Tires Aerodrome and Horta Airport.

Regarding airport security, the PSP carries out its duties in 16 airport infrastructures, including the autonomous regions of Madeira and Azores.

In addition to the airports that process regular commercial traffic (national flights, Schengen flights and flights from third countries), there are also six small aerodromes – dedicated to general aviation – and ultralight runways that are also subject to police surveillance and inspection.

With the end of SEF, more than 700 inspectors were transferred to the PJ, with a transitional assignment regime that allows these professionals to carry out duties for up to two years in the GNR and PSP, at air and sea border posts.

80 inspectors were assigned to the GNR, responsible for maritime and land borders, while 324 were assigned to the PSP, which takes control of the air borders.