Aerial View of Madeira Funchal Airport

Madeira Funchal Airport FNC

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Madeira Funchal Airport (FNC) Guide

Discover Madeira Funchal Airport, your entry to Madeira's paradise, famed for its challenging runway that extends over the ocean. This guide simplifies your journey through the airport, offering essential info from flight updates to dining options. Experience seamless travel amidst breathtaking scenery.

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Funchal Airport has a single terminal building that serves both domestic and international flights. The terminal has two floors with a total of 40 gates. The ground floor is where you'll find the arrivals area, baggage claim, and transportation options. The upper level is where you'll find the check-in counters, security checkpoints, and departure gates.

Major airlines that operate at FNC include TAP Air Portugal, Ryanair, easyJet, and Jet2.com. These airlines use a combination of gates in the terminal building.

As you navigate the terminal, you'll find a variety of food and beverage options, including cafes, restaurants, and bars. There are also several shops where you can purchase souvenirs, duty-free items, and travel essentials. If you need to access services such as currency exchange, ATMs, or a pharmacy, you'll find them located throughout the terminal.

Use our interactive airport map to locate food, services, and airline departure gates.

Connecting Between Terminals

FNC has only one terminal, so there is no need to worry about getting between terminals. However, there are several options for transportation to and from the airport, including taxi, bus, and car rental. Taxis are readily available outside the terminal building, and the ride to the city center takes about 20 minutes. Buses also run regularly from the airport to the city center and other destinations on the island. Car rental is also available at the airport for those who prefer to explore the island on their own.

Picking Up and Dropping Off Passengers

At Madeira Funchal Airport, passengers can be picked up and dropped off at the designated curbside areas outside of the terminal buildings. However, it is important to note that there are strict time limits for curbside parking, and vehicles cannot be left unattended. Drivers should also be aware of any posted signage indicating restricted areas or no parking zones.

For those waiting to pick up arriving passengers, the airport offers a cell-phone waiting area located just a short distance from the terminal buildings. This area allows drivers to wait in their vehicles until their passengers have retrieved their luggage and are ready to be picked up curbside. This helps to alleviate congestion and ensure a smooth flow of traffic around the airport.

Parking Facilities & Options

If you're driving to Funchal Airport, you'll find several parking options available to suit your needs. The airport offers both short-term and long-term parking in its lots and garages, which are conveniently located near the terminal building. There are also designated handicapped parking spaces available for those with disabilities.

If you're picking up a passenger, the airport has a cell phone waiting area where you can park for free and wait until your passenger is ready to be picked up. This area is located just a short distance from the terminal building, making it easy to stay in touch with your passenger and avoid circling the airport.

For those looking for a more economical parking option, off-airport parking is available nearby. These lots offer shuttle service to and from the airport, and can be a great way to save money on parking fees. Just be sure to allow extra time for shuttle service when planning your trip.

Get details about FNC parking options and rates, along with more economical off-airport parking here.

Transportation Options

FNC Airport offers a variety of ground transportation options for travelers. For those who prefer to rent a car, there are several car rental facilities located at the airport, including major providers such as Avis, Europcar, and Hertz. Visitors can easily rent a car online or in person upon arrival.

Taxi services are also available at the airport, with designated drop-off areas located outside the terminal. Fares are regulated by the local government and are based on distance traveled. Visitors should expect to pay around €30 for a trip to the city center.

Shared ride services, such as Uber and Bolt, are available for those who prefer a more cost-effective option. Pickup areas for these services are also located outside the terminal, and restrictions may apply depending on the service provider.

Airport shuttles are another convenient option for travelers. These services typically operate on a fixed schedule and offer pickup and drop-off at designated locations. Fares vary depending on the shuttle provider and destination.

Finally, for those who prefer public transportation, there are several bus routes that operate from the airport to various locations throughout the island. Visitors can purchase tickets from the driver or at the airport information desk.

Airport Hotels

Whether you're catching a flight, waiting for a connection, or just arrived at your destination, staying at a hotel near the airport can save you time and stress. From luxury establishments like the Albatroz Beach & Yacht Club with its private ocean frontage to budget-friendly options like Villas Madalena Chalets vista mar cWiFi offering stunning sea views, there is something for every traveler's needs and budget. For those seeking a relaxing stay, Vila Pragelas and Jay Paradise - Paraíso Jota are perfect choices with private balconies and serene gardens. ZiZis Place offers breathtaking mountain vistas, while Residencial Santo António and Santa Cruz Village Hotel provide beachfront lodgings for beach lovers. And for those who want a mix of comfort, convenience, and leisure activities, Vila Gale Santa Cruz and Hotel Solar Bom Jesus are excellent choices. Start exploring and find the hotel that suits your needs the best. View all Funchal Airport Hotels now.

Dining, Shopping & Enjoying the Airport

If you're looking for a bite to eat or some shopping options at FNC Airport, you won't be disappointed. The airport has a variety of dining and shopping options to choose from. For a quick snack or coffee, head to Costa Coffee or Starbucks, both located in the Departures area. If you have more time to spare, sit down for a meal at Madeira Restaurant, which offers traditional Portuguese cuisine and is located in the public area of the airport.

When it comes to shopping, there are plenty of options to keep you entertained. For duty-free shopping, visit the Duty Free Store, which offers a wide range of products including cosmetics, alcohol, and tobacco. If you're looking for souvenirs or gifts, head to A Loja do Santo, which sells a variety of Madeira-themed products such as wine, embroidery, and crafts.

The locations of all food, shops, and services at the airport can be found using iFly's interactive map. For a complete list of restaurants, bars, shops, and news stands, click here to navigate the options.

Passenger Services

The airport offers a range of passenger services to make your travel experience as comfortable and stress-free as possible.

For those needing to stay connected, the airport provides free wifi access throughout the terminal. If you have lost an item during your travels, the lost and found office is located in the arrivals area.

Traveling with children? The airport has a designated children's play area to keep them entertained while you wait for your flight. Special-needs services are also available, including wheelchair assistance and accessible restrooms.

If you need to take care of any banking needs, there are ATMs and currency exchange services located throughout the terminal. And in case of any medical emergencies, there is a first aid station located near the check-in area.

Flight Status Info

As an air traveler, it is important to stay informed about the status of your flight. One way to do this is by using the Flight Information Display System (FIDS) located throughout the Madeira Funchal Airport. These displays provide real-time updates on flight departures, delays, and gate information.

In addition to FIDS, many airlines offer mobile phone apps that allow passengers to receive alerts about departure delays, cancellations, or gate changes. These alerts can be sent via text, email, or push notifications, and can be customized to fit your preferences. By downloading your airline's app and enabling notifications, you can stay up-to-date on any changes to your flight.

Passengers can also check the status of their flight departure at Madeira Funchal Airport by visiting the flight departures page on ifly.com, which provides real-time updates on flight departures, delays, and gate information.

Helpful Tips

When to Arrive

When flying from FNC, it is recommended to arrive at least two hours before your scheduled departure time. This will allow enough time for check-in, security, and any unexpected delays. The busiest times at the airport are during the summer months and holiday periods, so it is advisable to arrive even earlier during these times to avoid long lines and potential delays.

Getting to the Airport

The best way to get to FNC Airport is by taxi or private car. Taxis are readily available throughout the city and can be hailed on the street or booked in advance. Private car services can also be arranged ahead of time for a more comfortable and convenient experience. Public transportation options include buses and the Aerobus, which runs from the city center to the airport every 30 minutes.

Getting Oriented

When arriving at the airport, it is recommended to use iFly.com's interactive airport maps to get oriented. These maps provide detailed information about the airport's layout, including the location of check-in counters, security checkpoints, and boarding gates. Additionally, the airport has signage throughout the terminal to help passengers navigate their way around.

Avoiding Delays

To avoid delays at Madeira Funchal Airport, it is important to arrive early, as mentioned above. Additionally, it is recommended to check in online before arriving at the airport to save time. Be sure to have all necessary documents, such as your passport and boarding pass, readily available. Finally, follow all airport rules and regulations, including restrictions on liquids and electronics, to avoid any potential delays during security screening.

Airport Facts & Stats

Funchal Airport, located in Portugal, is a popular airport for tourists visiting Madeira Island. The airport has one terminal building that serves both domestic and international flights.

The top airlines with the most daily flights at FNC are TAP Air Portugal, easyJet, and Ryanair. On average, the airport handles around 8,000 passengers daily with an average of 60 daily flights. The airport serves over 50 destinations on a regular basis.

The top 5 destinations served by FNC Airport are Lisbon, Porto, London Gatwick, Manchester, and Amsterdam. Several airlines use the airport as a hub, including TAP Air Portugal and easyJet.

Airport History

Madeira Funchal Airport, also known as Cristiano Ronaldo International Airport, is located on the Portuguese island of Madeira. The airport was first opened in 1964 and has undergone several significant changes since then.

Here are some of the key events in the airport's history:

  • 1964: Funchal Airport officially opens for commercial flights.
  • 1972: The airport's runway is extended to accommodate larger aircraft.
  • 1986: A new passenger terminal is inaugurated, increasing the airport's capacity.
  • 2000: The airport is renamed Madeira International Airport.
  • 2007: Construction begins on a new runway extension and a new passenger terminal.
  • 2016: The airport is renamed Cristiano Ronaldo International Airport in honor of the famous Portuguese footballer.
  • 2017: The new passenger terminal is opened, increasing the airport's capacity to 8 million passengers per year.

Today, FNC is an important hub for tourism in Portugal, serving millions of passengers each year.

Airport Contact Information

For more information about Madeira Airport, please refer to the following contact details:

Note that the contact information provided here is subject to change by the airport operator(s).

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