Police in Lisbon have uncovered dozens of taxi violations at Humberto Delgado Airport, following an enforcement campaign that critics say risks damaging the image of the Portuguese destination.
Lisbon Metropolitan Command issued a statement on 26 August 2026, detailing inspections of approximately 100 vehicles. Over a third of them (34) were found to have incorrectly installed or miscalibrated taximeters, the force said, while 18 vehicles were being driven without the correct certification, insurance or other documents.
Several of the violations concerned safety. Six taxis failed to comply with fire extinguisher regulations, two were deemed unroadworthy, one failed a seatbelt inspection, and one driver was found to be driving under the influence of alcohol.
The crackdown comes amid viral social media complaints about taxi services around the capital’s air hub, with influencers criticising dubious practices and describing the airport as a “trap for tourists.” Alleged scams include negotiating fares in bad faith and failing to switch on taximeters, leading to tourists being overcharged for their journeys, with little recourse.
It should be noted that the inspections are not a representative sample of taxi services and cannot be read as indicating the overall percentage or “rate” of unprofessional activity. Moreover, organisations representing the taxi sector have strongly defended their members. Ahead of the release of the police data, the National Association of Light Vehicle Road Transport (ANTRAL) said the police action, which included roadblocks and stops of vehicles that were already carrying passengers, made Portugal appear a “highly degrading and frightening” destination.
The trade body said it recognised the authority of the police but did not support the way in which the vehicle inspections were conducted, suggesting that officers had orchestrated the campaign to be as high-profile as possible in order to counter the social media narrative.
“ANTRAL has no objection to enforcement actions being carried out,” a statement read. “However, when carried out in this manner, with passengers already inside the vehicles and at this specific location, creating a media ‘spectacle’ that only serves to disrupt the lives of users and damage the image of the country and the sector, such actions naturally deserve to be condemned.”
The best advice to passengers worried about being conned when they hail a ride at any airport, is to use official taxi ranks outside arrivals, be vigilant about the meter, check the car and driver certification, and signal that they require a receipt at the start of the trip. Pre-booked transfers, public transport, and ride-hailing apps are other ways to avoid nasty surprises.
