CAM granted rights to manage Taipa ferry aviation zone

The Macau International Airport Company (CAM) has been granted legal authority to manage and operate the aviation-designated zone at Taipa’s ferry terminal. The executive order, signed by Chief Executive Sam Hou Fai and published Monday in the government gazette (BO), takes effect today, Aug. 18.

The move revives a long-discussed plan to add aviation functions to the Taipa Ferry Terminal, initially proposed to ease pressure on existing airport operations and accommodate an estimated 1.5 million to 2 million passengers per year.

Passenger traffic has already exceeded those projections. By the first quarter of 2026, air passenger traffic had risen to more than 2.11 million, surpassing pre-pandemic levels and renewing interest in expanding operational capacity.

Under Executive Order No. 56/2026, Secretary for Transport and Public Works Raymond Tam was authorized to represent the Macau Special Administrative Region in signing the concession contract with CAM.

The concession was granted via direct award, according to the order.

Previously, former Transport Secretary Raimundo Arrais do Rosário had described the Taipa terminal as a future “comprehensive transport hub” integrating sea, land, and air links, including helicopter services.

The executive order cites Article 50 of Macau’s Basic Law, Law No. 3/90/M on public service concessions, and Administrative Regulation No. 13/2025 on public service organizations as its legal basis.

The Taipa Ferry Terminal is adjacent to the Macau International Airport and the Macau Light Rail Taipa Ferry Terminal Station. The terminal complex covers approximately 200,000 square meters and includes 16 high-speed passenger ship berths and three multifunctional berths, CSI Group states.

The terminal also features 1,000 parking spaces, one helicopter landing area, and five helipads.