The Regional Secretary for Tourism and Transport revealed that the National Government has yet to reply to the letters sent by the Government of the Azores regarding the possibility of establishing a protocol between the Portuguese Air Force (FAP) and the Civil Aviation Authority (ANAC) for the use of Lajes Air Base by civil aviation.

Vítor Fraga recalled that on October 16, 2014, the Government of the Azores sent to the ministers of Defence and Economy a request for the establishment of a protocol regarding Lajes Air Base, similar to what was done in the case of the Military Base in Beja, in order to be used by civil aviation.

Later, on May 1, 2015, "during a telephone call with the Secretary of State for Defence when there were some difficulties concerning the use of the base at the time when the archipelago was being affected by foggy weather, I asked her about the establishment of this protocol," said Victor Fraga. In this regard, the government official added that Berta Cabral told him she "had nothing new to tell and even said the process has not progressed."

On May 13, the Regional Government sent a new letter to the ministers of Defence and Economy to, "on the one hand, reinforce the importance of establishing such a protocol with Lajes Air Base and, on the other hand, express its bewilderment for the fact that it has not received a response to this matter."

As the Regional Secretary revealed, none of the letters sent by the Government of the Azores has received a response. Hence, Vítor Fraga  expressed his surprise when a member of the opposition made public statements on this matter, announcing alleged developments.

The Government of the Azores is surprised that "the National Government used an member of the opposition to convey information," because "such information should be provided, as requested, by the Ministry of Defence and the Ministry of Economy." said Vítor Fraga.