Madeira airport (FNC)

Madeira Cristiano Ronaldo Airport (FNC), popularly known as Funchal Airport or Santa Catarina Airport, is the main gateway to the Madeira archipelago. Opened on 18 July 1964 and internationally recognised for its unique engineering, featuring an extended runway supported by pillars, it is a strategic hub for European tourism, connecting the island with major regional capitals and offering direct links to the United States.

Official Website: aeroportomadeira.pt

Telephone: +351 291 520 700

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Terminals

The airport operates with a single passenger terminal, which remains open 24 hours a day. Its layout is spread across several levels, allowing for a clear separation between arrival flows (Level 0) and departures (Level 1).

Annual Traffic (2024): 5.1 million passengers.

Information Desks

On Level 1, near the check-in area, the main airport information desk is located, serving the public from 8:00 am to 11:00 pm. In addition, travellers will find a tourist office managed by the Madeira Regional Directorate for Tourism on Level 0 (public arrivals area), operating from 9:00 am to 9:30 pm.

 Location

The airport is located in the town of Santa Cruz, on the island of Madeira, 16 km (10 miles) northeast of the city of Funchal.

Parking services at Madeira airport (FNC)

The airport complex offers several parking options located in the immediate vicinity of the terminal. All areas are open-air, monitored, and within easy walking distance of the main building, eliminating the need for additional shuttle services.

Short Stays

These areas are ideal for picking up or dropping off passengers due to their close proximity to the terminal.

• P0: Located on Level 0, in front of the arrivals area. It is the quickest option for brief stops.
• P1: Situated on Level 1, opposite the departures area.

Long Stays and Low-Cost Parking

For travellers planning to leave their vehicle for several days, the airport offers more economical parking options:

• P5: An intermediate area designed for medium- or long-term stays.
• P6, P7, P8, P9: These are the areas furthest from the terminal (although still accessible on foot) and offer the lowest rates on site, recommended for extended stays.

Bookings and Payments: Advance booking through the official website is recommended to ensure availability and access exclusive discounts. Payment can be made at the automatic machines located throughout the terminal and at the entrances to the car parks.

Updated tariffs: You can consult the official price list and make your reservation on the ANA Aeroportos portal.

Facilities for passengers with special needs

Madeira Airport offers adapted infrastructure and specialised services to ensure accessibility and comfort for all users, including passengers with reduced mobility, families with young children, and travellers accompanied by assistance animals or pets.

Reduced Mobility

The MyWay service is the personalised assistance system for passengers with disabilities or reduced mobility. It covers the entire transit process through the terminal, from the point of arrival at the airport to the aircraft seat, and vice versa.

Assistance request: It is essential to inform your airline or travel agent of the need for assistance at least 48 hours prior to departure.

Contact points: Upon arrival at the airport, passengers will find clearly signposted call points in the parking areas and in the departures area to activate assistance. You may also proceed directly to the check-in counters.

Infrastructure: The terminal is equipped with access ramps, lifts with Braille signage, adapted toilets, and parking spaces reserved for holders of disabled parking permits.

Travelling with Children

The airport facilitates travel for families through the following services:

• Baby changing facilities (Fraldários): Available in public areas and boarding zones, integrated into or adjacent to toilet facilities.
• Infant food: The carriage of baby food and special liquids (milk, sterilised water or purées) required for the journey is permitted. These items must be presented separately at security checks, where they will be subject to specific inspection.
• Entertainment: Designated play areas are available for children to enjoy before their flight.

Pets and Assistance Dogs

• Assistance dogs: Guide and service dogs may travel in the passenger cabin free of charge, provided they meet the airline’s safety and documentation requirements.
• Pets: The transport of animals is subject to each airline’s individual policies (weight, carrier dimensions and fees). Presentation of a European Pet Passport or the corresponding official health certificate is mandatory.