
Madeira Airport is the dramatic clifftop gateway to Portugal's volcanic island paradise. Perched above the Atlantic with one of the most talked-about approaches in aviation, it's the start of every trip to Madeira. Compare airlines flying from Madeira (FNC) and set a Price Alert on Traveloka before you book.
Officially named Cristiano Ronaldo International Airport since 2017 — Ronaldo was born in Funchal — it's also known as Funchal Airport or Santa Catarina Airport. It opened in 1964 with a short single runway before a major 2000–2002 expansion, funded by around €520 million, extended the runway to 2,781 m and rebuilt the terminal. In 2025 the airport handled roughly 5.65 million passengers, making it Portugal's fourth-busiest airport.
Madeira connects mainly to mainland Portugal and destinations across Europe, with Lisbon and Porto as key links back to the mainland, plus routes to the UK, Germany and other European countries. Fares and schedules change seasonally, so compare carriers and verify details before you travel.
TAP Air Portugal treats Madeira as a focus city, while Ryanair operates a base here, giving travellers a mix of full-service and low-cost options across the network.
Madeira has a single modern terminal, rebuilt as part of the early-2000s runway expansion, with a straightforward layout for check-in, security and boarding.
The Aerobus service connects the airport to Funchal and other key points on the island. Taxis are available directly outside the terminal for a more direct trip, and car rental is a popular option for exploring Madeira's mountainous interior at your own pace.
The airport offers duty-free shopping, cafes and restaurants, free Wi-Fi, car rental desks and on-site parking.
Ready to fly to Madeira? Compare airlines on Traveloka and set a Price Alert so you can move quickly when a fare suits you. Always verify final fares and flight times at the time of booking.

