Paulo Simões Ribeiro, the Assistant Secretary of State for Internal Administration, said on 23rd June 2026 that Madeira is expected to receive a second aerial firefighting asset in July. He described the process as complex and long-running, but said it is now close to being completed. The protocol between the National Authority for Emergency and Civil Protection and the Air Force is expected to be signed this week, which will allow the tender process for the aircraft to move ahead. He added that the Regional Government has long wanted this reinforcement and believes it will arrive during July. Paulo Simões Ribeiro also confirmed that 30 new Public Security Police (PSP) agents will be assigned to Madeira Airport by the end of July. Some of these officers will arrive next week to begin internships, as part of a wider group of 360 agents who recently finished training for airport duties and the Unit for Foreigners and Borders. He said Madeira Airport is one of the best airports at a national level in terms of passenger throughput and linked that performance to the work of the PSP officers already stationed there.
