Madeira Airport

Opened in 1964 and famously expanded with a dramatic runway extension in 2000, Madeira Airport serves as the main international gateway to the Portuguese island of Madeira with a single passenger terminal handling regional and European traffic. Known for its scenic, dramatic approaches between mountains and sea, the airport is essential for tourism and connects Funchal (about 13 km away) via regular buses, taxis, car rentals and shuttle services over steep coastal roads. Not a major global hub but a key base for regular TAP Air Portugal, easyJet, Ryanair and SATA services, fares tend to be mid-range—sometimes pricier in peak season, though low-cost routes can yield bargains with advance booking.