All Madeira Airports (2025 Info) + Map
The Madeira archipelago has one international airport and one regional airport connecting the islands to mainland Europe and since 7 June 2025 to the United States. The only direct flight between the U.S. and Madeira departs from Newark Liberty International Airport and is operated by United Airlines.
Madeira consists of two inhabited islands: Madeira (the larger and more populated) and Porto Santo (known for its long sandy beaches). While both islands have airports, only the one on Madeira Island welcomes international flights.
Cristiano Ronaldo International Airport, Funchal, Madeira
Cristiano Ronaldo International Airport (code: FNC), located near Funchal, is the busiest and most important airport in the Madeira archipelago. It handles flights from mainland Portugal, the rest of Europe, and—starting in June 2025—the United States. This new route makes it easier than ever for American travelers to reach Madeira without layovers.
Several major airlines serve Funchal, including TAP Air Portugal, easyJet, Ryanair, Lufthansa, Iberia, British Airways, Transavia, and Jet2. Here is the list of all airlines.
Popular European departure cities include Lisbon, Porto, London, Paris, Frankfurt, Amsterdam, Madrid, and Brussels.
The airport is just 8 miles from Funchal’s city center. You can easily reach your accommodation by airport shuttle, public bus, taxi, or rental car.
Porto Santo Airport, Porto Santo Island
Porto Santo Airport (code: PXO) is much smaller and only serves domestic flights from Lisbon, Porto, and Madeira.
Binter Canarias operates short-haul flights between Madeira and Porto Santo, while ferry service is also available for travelers who prefer sea transport. TAP Portugal and easyJet connects it with Lisboa and Porto.
The airport offers basic services and is only a 10-minute drive from the island’s main town, Vila Baleira.
Airlines and Destinations
Most international travelers arrive via Cristiano Ronaldo International Airport. As of 2025, here are the key airlines and destinations:
- United Airlines – Newark (U.S.)
- Air Baltic
- Austrian Airlines
- TAP Air Portugal – Lisbon, Porto (Portugal), and major European cities
- easyJet – London, Bristol, Paris, Geneva, and Berlin
- Ryanair – Lisbon, Porto, Brussels, and Milan
- British Airways – London Heathrow
- Lufthansa – Frankfurt and Munich
- SATA Air Açores – Ponta Delgada (Azores airports)
- Transavia – Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Paris
- Binter Canarias – Porto Santo (inter-island)
- Finnair – Helsinki
- Eurowings
- LuxAir
- PLAY Air – Reykjavik
Air Travel Tips for Madeira
Madeira’s main airport is modern but compact. During peak travel seasons (especially summer and Christmas), security lines and baggage claim areas may get crowded, so plan ahead. Aim to arrive at least two hours before your flight.
Rental cars are the best way to explore the island’s remote areas, and several international and local agencies operate directly from the airport terminal.
Madeira is often listed among the world’s most dangerous or thrilling airports, not because of safety issues, but because of the high skill level required from pilots. When the winds are too harsh, flights are often diverted to Porto Santo Airport or cancelled.
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Emese Maczko is a travel blogger behind Eco Lodges Anywhere. Having explored several destinations around Europe, the US, Indonesia, and Australia, and resided in Germany, the United Kingdom, and Luxembourg, Emese possesses a keen understanding of diverse cultures and an appreciation for the beauty of each destination she visits. She advocates for sustainable travel and ecotourism.