Cristiano Ronaldo Madeira Airport Funchal (FNC)

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The Madeira Airport (Cristiano Ronaldo Madeira Airport Funchal (FNC)), featuring a runway of 1,600 meters, is located in Santa Cruz, 25 kilometers east-northeast of Funchal, the island’s capital. Built in 1964, the airport was originally named Funchal Airport, but was renamed in 2017 in honor of Cristiano Ronaldo, a native of Madeira and one of the greatest footballers in history.

The airport serves as a gateway to the popular tourist destination of Madeira, which boasts beautiful scenery, historical sites, and vibrant culture. The facilities have a modern and efficient layout, with all its amenities designed to provide the best possible passenger experience. 

Inside the terminal, passengers can access several shops, restaurants, and cafes, as well as duty-free shopping. There are also lounges for business and first-class travelers.

What Makes Madeira Airport special?

Many people across the world consider the Madeira Airport as among the most peculiar. The History Channel’s Most Extreme Airports programme ranked this airport as the 9th most dangerous worldwide and 3rd most dangerous in Europe.

Design, Location, and Unpredictable Crosswinds

While the airport offers once-in-a-lifetime scenery for visitors, pilots are somewhat nervous. Pilots need additional training to land at this airport owing to its perilous and peculiar nature. The design of the runaway (although spectacular) and the airport’s location inform its peculiar nature.

In 2004, the remarkable design won an “Outstanding Structure Award” from the IABSE (International Association for Bridge and Structural Engineering).

Featuring an initial length of 1600m which was quite short, the airport has undergone expansion to increase the length and accommodate more passengers. This was after a nasty accident in 1977 that claimed the lives of 131 passengers. Constructors extended the airport towards the sea on reclaimed land and supported it with reinforced concrete piles.

Today the runaway’s length is 2781m, while the bridge is 1020m long and 180 m wide, raised 57m above the sea. A series of around 180 columns support the runway structure

Aside from the location and design of the runaway, another factor that makes this airport peculiar is the unpredictable crosswind that can blow an aircraft off the runway. The airport, situated between the Atlantic Ocean and steep mountains, makes it susceptible to strong gusts of wind, which can blow an aircraft off the runway during landing and takeoff.

The wind direction and speed can change in a matter of seconds, which can make landing and takeoff difficult for even the most experienced pilots. This unpredictability can cause the aircraft to drift off course and, in some cases, make it impossible for the aircraft to land.

To mitigate the effects of crosswinds, the Madeira Airport management has put in place various measures to ensure the safety of passengers and aircraft. One of these measures is the installation of the Instrument Landing System (ILS), which is a ground-based navigation aid that provides vertical and horizontal guidance to pilots during landing. The ILS helps pilots to land safely during periods of low visibility or when crosswind conditions are challenging.

Note: The ILS is only available on runaway 23 when conditions allow.

Services

On top of its picturesque setting, the airport is renowned for its array of essential services that make it a top destination for travelers. Some of these services include free Wi-Fi, currency exchange, ATMs, rent-a-car desks, travel agencies, and information desks. Others include shops, safes, public telephones, etc.

Hotels

Although there aren’t any hotels at the Madeira Airport, there are still several options in the nearby city of Funchal available for travelers who require overnight accommodation before or after a flight. Funchal has a variety of hotels to choose from, ranging from budget-friendly options to luxurious resorts with stunning ocean views. Some of the popular choices close to the airport include;

Regardless of which option you choose, it’s always a good idea to book your accommodation in advance, especially during peak travel seasons. This will help ensure that you have a comfortable and stress-free stay, and allow you to focus on enjoying your trip to Madeira.

Parking

The airport has several parking options available for travelers who need to leave their cars at the airport. They operate 24 hours 365 days. Both short-term and long-term parking facilities, which are conveniently located within walking distance of the terminal building are available. Choose from low-cost to premium parking options, either outdoors or indoors. Whether you need to park for just a few hours or several days, you can find a suitable parking option at the airport.

Luggage

A 24-hour baggage storage service on the airport’s ground floor is available. It is handy for bulky items. You can always leave your stuff at the airport’s lockers and be assured that they’re safe. If the luggage gets lost or damaged, proceed to the ‘Lost and Found’ area on level 0.

Car Rental

Madeira Airport has several reputable car rental companies located within the airport terminal building, making it easy for travelers to rent a car upon arrival. The car rental companies at Madeira Airport offer a wide range of vehicles to suit different budgets and travel needs. From compact cars to family-sized SUVs and luxury vehicles, there is a car rental option to suit everyone. Most car rental companies also offer additional services such as GPS navigation, child seats, and insurance coverage, which can be added to the rental agreement for an additional fee.

Some of the most popular car rental services include;

If you’re not into car rentals, there are plenty of taxis on standby at the airport.