Madeira Airport Terminal
Madeira Airport is situated in Santa Cruz, approximately 13.2 km (8.2 mi) east-northeast of Funchal, the capital city of Madeira. The airport features:
- A single runway (05/23) measuring 2,781 meters (9,124 feet) in length
- One terminal building with multiple levels
- 40 check-in desks and 16 boarding gates
- Capacity to handle up to 3.5 million passengers annually
Due to its unique location and runway construction, Madeira Airport is considered one of the most challenging airports for pilots. Enjoy the spectacular approach, but be prepared for potential turbulence.
History and Development
Early years
- Officially opened on July 7, 1964, with a 1,600 m (5,200 ft) runway
- First flight: TAP Air Portugal Lockheed Constellation with 80 passengers
Expansions
- 1972: Runway extended to 1,800 m (5,900 ft)
- 2002: Major expansion completed, extending the runway to its current length of 2,781 m (9,124 ft)
Present and future
- Now capable of handling medium-sized aircraft and international flights
- Continual improvements in technology and safety measures
- Focus on enhancing passenger experience and increasing capacity
The airport’s expansion over the years has significantly improved its capabilities. However, it’s still subject to weather-related disruptions, so always check your flight status before traveling.
Terminal Description
The terminal building consists of multiple levels, each serving different purposes:
Level 0 (Ground Floor)
- Split into Arrivals and Departures areas
- Hosts Schengen and non-Schengen flights
- Features transfer hall and boarding gates
- Services: Left luggage, car rental counters, tourist information, bank, ATMs, currency exchange
Level 1 (First Floor)
- Primarily dedicated to concessions and services
- Includes post office, hairdresser, VIP lounges, ATMs, currency exchange
Level 2 (Second Floor)
- Houses additional VIP lounges and services
The airport offers free Wi-Fi. Connect to the "VINCI Airport wifi" network to stay connected during your visit.
At Cristiano Ronaldo Airport in Madeira, there is a terrace with views of the runway. This terrace is located on the upper floor of the terminal and offers views of planes landing and taking off. The terrace is divided into two halves: one accessible from the landside and another from the airside. However, the landside half is the most accessible to the general public.
Additional servicies and facilities
- Airport Information and Tourist Information: Available at the information desks to assist with queries about flights, airport facilities, and local attractions.
- Currency Exchange and ATMs: Unicâmbio offers currency exchange services, while ATMs are available in the arrivals hall.
- Medical Services: A First Aid station provides urgent and emergency medical care.
- Special Assistance: The airport partners with MyWay to offer personalized support for passengers with reduced mobility.
- Luggage Services: Luggage storage is available 24 hours a day on the ground floor, and luggage wrapping services are offered in the Check-In area.
- Post Office: Located landside, allowing passengers to send last-minute post.
- Travel Agencies: Several travel agencies are available to assist with local arrangements or planning trips.
Don’t miss the opportunity to try local Madeiran products at the airport shops. They make great last-minute souvenirs.
Shopping and Restaurants
Madeira Cristiano Ronaldo International Airport offers a variety of shopping and dining options to enhance the travel experience. Here’s more detailed information on shopping and restaurants:
Shopping
- Duty-Free Shops: Available after security, offering a range of products including cosmetics, perfumes, and local Madeiran goods.
- Regional Handicrafts: Shops selling traditional Madeiran embroidery and handmade leather products are located in the departure area.
- Specialty Stores
- Travel & Business Gate: Features brands like Rimowa, Tumi, Victorinox, and Samsonite.
- Fashion Gate: Includes brands such as Desigual, Pepe Jeans, Diesel, Butterfly, and Lambretta.
- Portfolio Store: Specializes in ’Made of Portugal’ products, showcasing local culture and craftsmanship.
- Sunglass Hut: Offers brands like Ray Ban, Persol, and Oakley.
- Attitude: A multi-brand store featuring Boss, Guess, Tommy Hilfiger, SuperDry, and Swarovski.
- Football Gate: Offers sports-related merchandise.
- Gifts to Go: A children’s store with toys and games.
- Relay: A newsstand with magazines and newspapers.
- Parfois: Known for fashion accessories of Portuguese origin.
- Chocolate Lounge: Features brands like Godiva, Neuhaus, Valrhona, Arcádia, Villars, Leónidas, Goldkenn.
- Sweet Colors: Offers jelly sweets, gum, chocolates, caramels, biscuits, cookies, and themed presents.
Restaurants
- Burger King: Located before security, open from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM.
- Pizza Hut: After security, open from 7:00 AM to 11:00 PM. Users have praised its quick service and fresh pizzas.
- Starbucks: Before security, open from 5:00 AM to 11:00 PM.
- Buondi Caffé: After security, open from 7:00 AM to midnight. Offers an outdoor patio with a view.
- Go To Coffee & Food: Handy cafe located in the airport.
- Bites & Beer By Coral: Offers a great dining experience with a focus on local flavors.
- Cockpit: Part of the remodeled food court on level 3, offering a unique view over the sea and runway.
- Saudade Madeira Cafe: Provides a taste of local Madeiran cuisine.
- Gelati di Chef: Offers a variety of ice cream flavors.
TIP: While there are no 24-hour dining options, Buondi Caffé stays open until midnight, making it a good choice for late-night travelers.
Zones
- Before Security: Burger King, Starbucks
- After Security: Pizza Hut, Buondi Caffé, Cockpit, Saudade Madeira Cafe, Gelati di Chef
- Level 3 Food Court: Offers a variety of dining options with a view.
This combination of shopping and dining options provides passengers with a pleasant experience while waiting for their flights.
Lounges
Madeira Cristiano Ronaldo International Airport offers several lounges for passengers seeking a more comfortable and exclusive experience. Here’s an overview of the lounges available:
Lounges at Madeira Airport
Atlantico CIP Lounge
- Location: Airside, Level 0
- Hours: Open from the first departure until the last departure
- Services: Internet terminals, Wi-Fi, TV, non-smoking environment
- Access: Available for purchase or through lounge membership programs
Book in Advance: Consider booking lounge access in advance to ensure availability.
Europa CIP Lounge
- Location: Airside, Third Level
- Hours: Open from the first departure to the last departure
- Services: Wi-Fi, drinks, TV, internet terminals
- Access: Pay at the door or through lounge membership programs
- Location: Airside, Third Level
- Hours: 04:00 AM to 10:00 PM
- Services: Internet terminals, TV, beer and wine, Wi-Fi
- Access: Available for purchase or through lounge membership programs
TAP Premium Lounge
- Location: Airside, Third Level
- Hours: 04:00 AM to 10:00 PM
- Services: Newspapers and magazines, telephones, snacks, flight monitors, Wi-Fi
- Access: Available for TAP passengers or through lounge membership programs
- Location: After Security, Floor 3
- Hours: 06:00 AM to 09:00 PM
- Services: Relaxing environment, snacks and drinks, fast and free Wi-Fi
- Access: Available for purchase (€36 per person) or through lounge membership programs. Note: Access is restricted to direct international flights between Funchal – New York and Toronto.
These lounges provide a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of the airport, offering amenities such as complimentary food and beverages, comfortable seating, and reliable Wi-Fi.
Popular Flights
The Cristiano Ronaldo International Airport in Madeira (FNC) is a significant hub for travelers looking to explore the Portuguese islands and other European destinations. Below are some of the most popular flights that this airport receives:
Popular Domestic Flights
- Funchal (FNC) to Lisbon (LIS): This is one of the most frequent and popular flights, operated by airlines such as TAP Portugal, easyJet, and Ryanair. The flight duration is approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes.
- Funchal (FNC) to Porto (OPO): This route is also in high demand, with direct flights operated by the same airlines as the Lisbon route. The flight takes around 2 hours.
- Funchal (FNC) to Ponta Delgada (PDL): Azores Airlines offers non-stop flights to this island in the Azores, providing an important connection for travelers wishing to explore the Portuguese islands.
- Funchal (FNC) to Porto Santo (PXO): Binter Canarias is the airline that connects Madeira with Porto Santo, a short 25-minute flight that allows visitors to enjoy the beaches of this neighboring island.
Popular International Flights
- Funchal (FNC) to London (LHR): This route is very popular among British tourists visiting Madeira. The flight takes approximately 3 hours and 45 minutes.
- Funchal (FNC) to Amsterdam (AMS): Flights to Amsterdam are also very frequent, especially during peak season, and last around 4 hours and 5 minutes.
- Funchal (FNC) to Madrid (MAD): This route is another highly demanded connection, linking Madeira with the Spanish capital in flights that take around 2 hours and a half.
- Funchal (FNC) to Paris (CDG): Flights to Paris are popular among tourists who want to combine their trip to Madeira with a visit to the French capital.
These flights highlight the importance of Madeira Airport as a key connection hub for travelers seeking to explore both the Portuguese islands and other European destinations.