A Close Look at Madeira Airport and its Operations

Madeira Airport (IATA: FNC, ICAO: LPMA), officially known as Cristiano Ronaldo International Airport, is a striking and unique aviation hub located on the island of Madeira, Portugal. Situated near the city of Funchal, the airport is renowned for its breathtaking setting and challenging operations, making it a favorite among aviation enthusiasts and plane spotters.

Madeira Airport Overview

Opened in 1964 with a modest 1,600-meter runway, the airport has undergone significant expansions to accommodate larger aircraft and increased traffic. Its most notable feature is the runway extension completed in 2000, which added 1,000 meters supported by 180 concrete columns towering over the Atlantic Ocean. This innovative design earned engineering accolades and allowed Madeira Airport to handle wide-body jets and long-haul flights.

Airport Layout

Bingar1234, CC BY-SA 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

The airport operates a single runway, 05/23, which is 2,781 meters long. Its location is both picturesque and challenging: cradled between ocean cliffs and mountainous terrain, the airport is infamous for its crosswinds and demanding approaches, requiring pilots to undergo special training to land there.

The airport has a single passenger terminal, located on the southern side of the runway. It has 16 gates, but no air bridges, so passengers walk out to the aircraft and have a good view of aircraft on neighbouring stands.

Airlines at Madeira Airport

Photo (c) Paul Tasker

Madeira Airport serves as a vital link for the island, connecting it to mainland Portugal, Europe, and beyond, with airlines like TAP Air Portugal, easyJet, and Ryanair providing regular services. It also hosts a variety of charter and seasonal flights.

It sees regular service from Azores Airlines which links the airport with both neighbouring islands, as well as New York JFK.

Similarly, Binter Canarias also flies in with turboprops from the nearby Canary Islands.

Spotting at Madeira Airport

View from the observation deck. Photo (c) Frank Kovalchek

For spotters, Madeira Airport offers unparalleled opportunities to witness dramatic landings and takeoffs set against stunning backdrops.

The observation deck within the terminal and spots along the nearby coastline provide excellent vantage points to capture aircraft in action. It has both airside and landside sections, so you can enjoy it as a visitor or a passenger.

View from the hill overlooking the airport. Photo (c) Frank Kovalchek

For the famous views often seen in videos and photographs, the hill overlooking the airport off Rua Santa Catarina is a great vantage point. You can either walk from the terminal or, if driving, take exit 21 from the VR1 and use the signs leading to Aqua de Pena.

Park in the parking area on your right, and then walk up the footpath heading up the hill. Further up the road is a small snack bar with views over the threshold, too.

Have you visited Madeira Airport as a spotter? What did you think? Leave a comment below.

Title image: Catarina Madureira