Categories: News

Madeira Airport – Cristiano Ronaldo

Madeira Airport – Cristiano Ronaldo

Madeira Airport – Cristiano Ronaldo, located in Santa Catarina, Santa Cruz, 16 kilometers from Funchal. This Airporto is one of the most important in Portugal and providing regular connections to more than 40 destinations.

Equipped with a single runway, it has the capacity to receive around 3,5 million passengers per year.

History of Madeira Airport

 

Madeira Airport was opened on July 8, 1964 with a runway 1600 meters long. The Madeira archipelago thus gained new connections to the continent, since until then trips were made by boat. The first plane landing in Madeira took place in 1957, on an experimental runway in Santa Catarina – Santa Cruz.

In 1972 authorities began to consider the expansion of the airport. Well, this did not allow receiving planes capable of satisfying the flow of tourists who were looking for Madeira Island. In addition, to this aspect, it necessary to create conditions to be possible to receive intercontinental flights. Therefore, in 1973, a new terminal was inaugurated, with a capacity to receive 500 thousand passengers per year.

Between 1982 and 1986, the runway was increased to 1800 meters. Likewise the extension of the aircraft parking platform, that  was inaugurated on February 1, 1986.

Engineer António Segadães Tavares adapted Edgar Cardoso’s studies and planned a new extension of the runway. After that, on September 15, 2000, the inauguration of the runway extension to 2781 meters took place. This is partially built in slab over the sea, resting on 180 pillars.

 

In conclusion, Madeira airport is qualified to receive large aircraft from civil or military aviation, and is the main gateway for tourists to the Region, as well as postal, cargo and other essential services. It is an international airport that also serves domestic flights.

On July 23, 2016, the then Madeira International Airport was renamed Madeira Airport – Cristiano Ronaldo.

Madeira Sidecar Tours

Recent Posts

Discover Madeira: An Island of Contrasts and Wonders

Discover Madeira: An Island of Contrasts and Wonders Madeira, an autonomous region of Madeira, is…

3 months ago

Where to Stay in Madeira island: Best Places to Stay

Where to Stay in Madeira Island: Best Place to Stay in 2025 [gallery link="none" ids="4834,4398,4852"…

4 months ago

Celebrating Excellence:Madeira Sidecar Tours Wins 2024 Travellers’ Choice Awards!

We are thrilled to announce that Madeira Sidecar Tours has been honored with the prestigious…

1 year ago

Discovering Madeira: Top Excursions and Adventures

Discovering Madeira: Top Excursions and Adventures Madeira, the jewel of the Atlantic, is a paradise…

1 year ago

Stairways to Heaven: Exploring the Majestic Trails of Madeira Island

  Nestled in the Atlantic Ocean, Madeira Island is often referred to as the "Pearl…

1 year ago

Discover the Wonders of Madeira Island

Madeira island a Must-Visit Destination Madeira Island, an enchanting Portuguese archipelago, offers a breathtaking mix…

1 year ago