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Madeira's dramatic clifftop gateway to the Atlantic islands.
Opened
1964
Location
Funchal, Portugal
Cristiano Ronaldo International Airport, officially designated LPMA and known by the IATA code FNC, serves Funchal, the capital of the Portuguese autonomous region of Madeira. Situated on the southern coast of the island, the airport handles millions of passengers annually and is a critical hub for tourism and inter-island connectivity.
The airport is famously challenging to operate due to the mountainous terrain surrounding Funchal and its location beside the ocean. Its runway was extended over the sea on a platform supported by 180 columns, completed in 2000, making it one of the most recognizable airport extensions in the world.
The airport was renamed in 2017 in honor of Cristiano Ronaldo, the globally renowned footballer born in Madeira. A bronze bust and statue of Ronaldo are displayed at the terminal, attracting visitors and fans alongside regular travelers.
Terminals
The airport operates a single passenger terminal handling both domestic and international flights.
Getting to & from
The airport is connected to Funchal city center by public bus services, taxis, and rental cars, with the journey taking approximately 20–30 minutes.
Airlines here
Major airlines serving FNC include TAP Air Portugal, easyJet, Ryanair, and various charter carriers connecting Madeira to European destinations.
Notable facts
- ›The runway extension was built on 180 concrete pillars over the sea, completed in 2000.
- ›The airport was renamed after Cristiano Ronaldo in 2017; he was born in Madeira.
- ›It is considered one of the most difficult airports in Europe to land at due to crosswinds and terrain.
- ›The runway is approximately 2,781 meters long following its extension.
- ›A bronze bust of Ronaldo at the terminal became a popular tourist attraction.
This profile is provided for general information only. Details may be inaccurate or outdated — always verify with the airport's official website before acting on them.
