Daily Briefing: S&P Boosts Portugal Outlook, Metrobus Launches, AIMA Backlog Grows

S&P Improves Portugal's Credit Outlook to Positive

Standard & Poor's maintained Portugal's A+ sovereign rating but upgraded the outlook from stable to positive, signalling a further ratings improvement could come soon. The agency cited Portugal's dramatic debt reduction — from 122% of GDP in 2020 to an estimated 85% in 2025 — and praised the country's disciplined fiscal management.

Porto Metrobus Begins Free Trial Today

Porto's new Bus Rapid Transit system launches today with a month of free rides. The electric Metrobus will operate from 6am to 10pm with 10-minute peak frequencies on dedicated lanes. Full commercial operations and pricing will be announced before the trial ends in late March.

Parliament Blocks AIMA Court Decentralisation

The Assembly of the Republic rejected a bill from Iniciativa Liberal to spread AIMA court cases beyond the Lisbon Administrative Court, where 124,000 immigration-related cases are pending. Fifty temporary judges have been assigned to help clear the backlog, but structural reform remains elusive.

Climate Study Links Portugal Storm Deaths to Global Warming

A World Weather Attribution study found that climate change made the wettest days of Portugal's January-February storm season approximately 30% more intense. Nine storms killed 18 people in Portugal and caused widespread destruction, particularly in central regions and the Alentejo.

TAP Launches Lisbon-Orlando Route, Expands Porto Network

TAP announced direct Lisbon-Orlando flights starting 29 October, alongside new Porto routes to Terceira, Praia (Cape Verde) and Tel Aviv. The Porto-Boston service will become year-round, strengthening transatlantic connectivity from northern Portugal.

Inflation Ticks Up to 2.1% in February

Portugal's consumer price index rose to 2.1% year-on-year in February, up 0.2 percentage points from January, according to preliminary INE estimates. Core inflation, excluding food and energy, reached 1.9%. The figures remain close to the Eurozone's stability target.

Coimbra Sets Rainfall Record

Coimbra recorded its highest-ever precipitation levels between October 2025 and February 2026, according to the head of the Portuguese Environment Agency. The record underscores the exceptional nature of this winter's storms across central Portugal.

Madeira Flights Cancelled Due to Weather

Strong winds forced the cancellation of flights at Madeira's Cristiano Ronaldo International Airport on Thursday. The island's exposed runway, perched on pillars above the ocean, is particularly vulnerable to crosswinds, a recurring issue that affects travel to and from the archipelago during winter months.