Taxi fraud at Lisbon airport: 67 offences detected among 100 vehicles
The PSP inspected around 100 taxis at Humberto Delgado airport on 25 August, finding 67 offences. Tourist scams have increased sharply since the start of the year.
Anti-fraud operation at Humberto Delgado airport: 67 offences found
On 25 August, the Polícia de Segurança Pública (PSP) conducted an inspection operation in the arrivals area of Humberto Delgado airport in Lisbon. Of approximately 100 taxis inspected, 67 offences were detected, according to Le Figaro. Complaints from travellers reporting excessive fares, hidden taximeters and unjustified detours had multiplied over several weeks, drawing the attention of authorities.
Among the offences recorded, 32 concerned non-compliant positioning of the taximeter. Officers also found that eight drivers lacked the mandatory professional certificate and that six vehicles had irregularities in their administrative documents. Six fire extinguishers with expired validity were also reported.
Three vehicles were not up to date with their technical inspections and three drivers lacked the required certification for passenger transport. Two taximeters with invalid calibration and two vehicles in poor condition were also identified. One offence concerning mandatory insurance was detected, and one driver was operating under the influence of alcohol.
132 per cent increase in arrests in one year
This operation comes in a context of significant pressure on the sector. From 1 January to 31 May 2026, the PSP announced the arrest of 214 taxi drivers in the Lisbon region for "speculation offences" — practices consisting of charging amounts exceeding legally authorised fares. This figure represents a 132 per cent increase compared with the same period in 2025, when 92 arrests had been recorded.
ANTRAL criticises the way the operation was conducted
The crackdown does not have unanimous support in the sector. ANTRAL, the national association representing light vehicle road transport, does not challenge the need to inspect taxis, but criticises the manner in which the operation was carried out. The organisation denounces inspections carried out while passengers were already aboard vehicles, which it says disrupted the operation of the station and gave a poor image of Portugal to visitors.
ANTRAL also recalls that professionals in the sector themselves participate in the fight against unauthorised drivers who attempt to solicit travellers at the airport exit.
Source: Le Figaro