THE RED Bull Air Race returns to Porto and Gaia today (Friday) and tomorrow (Saturday).
This annual race, which started in 2005, consists of a slalom course comprising large inflatable pillars that small planes have to fly between only 10 metres above the River Douro at speeds of up to 400 km per hour.
Around 2,500 members of various authorities including the PSP, GNR, Maritime authorities, members of the National Medical Emergency organisation and firemen will be present at the event to ensure public safety.
Plans are in place to cover every possible eventuality and ensure full security. These include traffic cuts to various roads, alternative routes in case of traffic jams, medical posts, security and evacuation corridors, psychologists and social workers in case of children going missing, food and drink distribution in the riverside areas, plans for saving people who may fall into the Douro river or a plane accident.
Organisers of the event are expecting crowds of up to 600,000 people. “This is the largest event in the world in terms of spectators,” said Fernando Figueiredo, a spokesman for the organisers, adding “the hotels are all fully booked”.
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