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| Madeira airport | ||
| height | 194 feet | |
|---|---|---|
| IATA code | FNC | |
| ICAO code | LPMA | |
| Terminals | 1 | |
| Number of passengers | 2.45 million per year • (2008) | |
Another value for the number of passengers on Wikidata: 265836   | ||
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The international Madeira airport, port. Aeroporto da Madeira is located in the southeast of the island Madeira about 16 kilometers from the capital Funchal away.
background
Madeira Airport is located on the east coast of the island near the city of Santa Cruz. It was opened in 1964 with a short runway (1,600 m), which was extended to 2,777 m in 2000. The rearmost part is located high above the coastline and stands on 3 m thick and up to 120 m high concrete piles, some of which are sunk deep into the ground. There are streets in the covered area.
Even after the runway was extended, the airport - after the one in Gribaltar - is considered to be the second most difficult airport in Europe. The reason is the wind shear caused by the cliffs.
getting there
By bus
From Funchal (only center, to most hotels you still have to change trains) to Machico and back, some bus lines go via the airport, the trip to Funchal costs about 3.25 €. Departure times From 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., around 20 connections a day. When you come out of the arrival hall, turn right and after approx. 100 meters you will find the bus stop.
The Aerobus commute between Funchal (Praia Formosa) and the airport and drive from different areas of the hotel. A one-way trip for € 5, return ticket € 7.50, departures from around 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., 10 to 15 connections a day depending on the day of the week.
With the taxi
There is a taxi rank on level 0 (ground floor) in front of the building. The price starts at € 4, after which the taximeter runs. On weekends and at night there is a surcharge of 20%, dogs and luggage are extra. On a weekday, the trip to Funchal should not cost more than € 25 and to Machico no more than € 10.
In the street
The expressway (Via Rápida = VR1) connects the airport with Funchal, the journey takes about 20 minutes.
Terminals
There is only one terminal, the arrivals area is below, the departure area is on the middle floor and a restaurant with a viewing terrace is above. You walk a short distance from the terminal to the plane and vice versa or you are taken by bus. There are no covered gate bridges.
Change / transit
There are also flights to the island from the airport Porto Santo or to the Azores from.
Parking / mobility
On the Parking lots P5, P6 and P7 you pay nothing for the first three quarters of an hour, then 1.00 - 1.50 € per hour. The parking spaces closer to the terminal are a bit expensive.
Car rental companies
Rental car from Avis, Europcar, Guerin, Hertz, Rodavante, Sixt and other companies are available in the arrivals area, the car park can be reached via a footbridge from the departure level (one floor higher).
Planespotting
Most planes have the final approach from the south, there the expressway leads past the airport, so stopping and looking is impossible. The small side streets directly on the coastline are also unsuitable, they are significantly lower than the runway, it is better to look for a location parallel to the runway, exit the highway at exit 21 after the airport, then another 500-700 m, small dead ends on the left. Or use the observation deck of the terminal (free of charge).
The northern part of the runway with the pillars is also worth seeing without air traffic. The road to Machico goes through there, exits 23 and 24, there is parking.
security
The police station is at the western end of the terminal (middle floor or departure area) and the lost and found office is also located there.
shop
There is a small selection of cafes, shops and duty-free shopping options in the airport. There is an ATM (bank machine) on every level, a bank with a bank counter is only on level 1.
Practical advice
- The Information Desk is located on Level 1, open daily from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m., Tel. (351) 291 520 700.
- There is a tourist information office on level 0, open daily from 9:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m., tel. (351) 291 524 933.
- The airport offers free WiFi access for 2 hours per day. Individual registration (an email address) and acceptance of the terms and conditions is required.
Web links
- https://www.aeroportomadeira.pt/en/fnc/home - Madeira Airport Official Website
- Airport operator website
