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June 18, 2013Funchal Madeira Airport – Spotting Guide
- last modified on November 20, 2023
The one and only airport on the Portuguese island of Madeira is located 15 km northeast of the capital, Funchal. The ‘Cristiano Ronaldo International Airport’ is known for its increddible approach and is called one of the most dangerous airports. The runway is surrounded by the ocean on the south side and the mountains on the north.
Due to the mild and steady climate, its a popular place for European tourist, followed by a reasonable amount of charter flights, mainly from United Kingdom, Germany and France. TAP is one of the main carriers serving FNC, followed by Easyjet. Binter Canarias offers daily shuttle services to the sister island Porto Santo. In 2018, 3,1 Mio passengers used the airport.
Check the airport website for the flight schedule.
Written by Julian Mittnacht, Rui Cardoso and Stefan Bratner (all spots checked November 2020 by Martin Rogosz)
| Rating | |
| Movements |  |
| Airline Variety |  |
| Photo Locations |  |
| Weather | |
| Airport Information | |
| Runways | |
| 05/23 | 2.781 m (9.124 ft) |
| Terminal | One handling all flights |
| Spotting Information | |
| Ladder | Not required. |
| Car/Public Transport | Car is not required but helpful. Spots are reachable by public transportation too (no infos) or by foot (2, 4 and 6)from the terminal. |
| Restrooms | Next to spot 1 and 2. |
| Drinks/Food | Inside terminal buildings and at some other locations (mentioned below). |
| Hotels | There is one south of the terminal which is the closest. Otherwise the Santa Cruz Boutique Hotel (marked on the map) offers a nice view. Book a sea room view on an upper level and you will have a great view of RWY05. The restaurant has an open terrace on the top. |
| Season | The climate on Madeira is quite constant and its not too hot nor too cold. More charter traffic during the summer season. |
| Runway Usage | |
| 05/23 | Used in all directions, mainly 05 is in use. 23 departures seems to be rare. |
 |
Spot #1 – Observation Deck – Runway and Apron Movements |
|---|---|
| WHERE | The visitor terrace is located on the top level and extends across the entire width of the terminal. Its separated in the middle with a big wall. One part is landside whilst the other part is behind the security checks and for passengers only. When you enter the terminal, use the stairs or elevators on the far left side to get upstairs to the public part. If you have a boarding card, pass the security and walk up the stairs just next to you to get back on the airside terrace. On the landside position the terrace is partly behind glass now . Do not climb up the small wall where the flowers are to shoot over the glass, its not allowed. At the southernmost corner you have still a free sight withouth glass. Airside postion is still without glass. |
| WHAT | Runway movements as well as the apron action. You don’t miss a single plane at this spot. |
| TIME | Good location from morning until noon (approximate 3 p.m. in the summer) |
| MISC. | A Snack bar and restrooms are just next to the entrance. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | 50-300 mm |
 |
Spot #2 – Hill at the Rua Santa Catarina – all runway movements |
|---|---|
| WHERE | This spot is located on the opposite site of the terminal. Walking from the terminal is possible and should take 30 minutes. If you have a car, take the exit 21 from the VR1 and use the signs leading to Aqua de Pena and not Santa Cruz. You have to drive up a hill along the runway. After a couple of hundred meters you see a big parking area on your right. Park your car here and walk back the street a few meters until you see a bus stop station. There is a small footpath up the hill and on the top there is the spot you are looking for. |
| WHAT | You get all the runway movements. Best spot when 05 is in use with great touchdown pictures and the ocean as a background. You will get the 23 arrivals too because the runways exit is within your reach. 23 departures are rare but possible from this spot too. |
| TIME | In the summer a good from the afternoon (from around 4 p.m.) until sunset. In winter be careful because of the low sun elevation in there is shadow from the mountains behind you on the runway. |
| MISC. | There is a small snack bar along the road. You can also see the ramp action from this facility. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | 50-300 mm |
 |
Spot #3 – VR1 – Departure and Landing RWY23 |
|---|---|
| WHERE | The spot is situated on a sidewalk along the VR1 which is leading to Machico. You can´t park directly next to the road and have to exit the VR1 before the tunnel to Machico. Drive on the R101 to the next roundabout and then use the exit back to the VR1. After a few meters drive over the tunnel and continue on the road that runs parallel to the VR1. Park your car as marked on the map in the neighborhood and then go to the street where you were coming from to the sidewalk at the pedestrian crossings. From there you have a clear sight of the runway. |
| WHAT | You see all RWY 23 arrivals and the departures from there. You might be able to catch 05 arrivals too if they turn around infront of you or departures but we did not test that. |
| TIME | In the summer a good from the afternoon (from around 4 p.m.) until sunset. |
| MISC. | Some restaurant are in the neighborhood. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | A320 = 120mm |
 |
Spot #4 – Hill at the Rua de S. Sebastião – RWY05 Departure and Landing RWY05 |
|---|---|
| WHERE | These two spots are located on the opposite site of the terminal and you are on the same level as the runway. By car take the exit 21 from the VR1 and use the signs leading to Aqua de Pena and not Santa Cruz (same direction as #2). Park you car on the side of the road as marked on the map. Now you have two choices. Either you use the first stairs leading up a hill just next to the parking space or you walk further down, cross the junction and then use another stairway up. |
| WHAT | The sight is almost the same from both stairways only from the second one it is limited to the left. You are on the same level as the runway and the spot is perfect for 05 departures. Arrivals are still in the air from here but possible too. |
| TIME | In the summer a good from the afternoon (around 4 p.m.) until sunset. In winter be careful because of the low sun elevation in there is shadow from the mountains behind you on the runway. |
| MISC. | Nothing nearby only the gas station at spot #2. Heat haze is an issue on hot days. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | 100-300 mm |
Samples from the first stairway
Samples from the second stairway
 |
Spot #5 – House – Departure and Landing RWY05 |
|---|---|
| WHERE | There is a pretty nice location on the opposite side of the terminal, offering a nice view of the whole action. Continue from the spot 2 for approximate 200-300 meters until you see a bus station with a parking bay to your left. Park here and walk just around the corner up to the house. Before the gate there is a small area where you have the perfect sight over the field. |
| WHAT | You are in the middle of the runway and in front of the terminal so you can photograph all movements from here. It is best to photograph the ramp action as the sight of the runway is partially blocked by bushes and plants but still possible. |
| TIME | In the summer a good from the afternoon until sunset. |
| MISC. | Please respect the private property just next to you. The snack bar at spot 2 is not far away as well. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | Taxiway 738 = 140mm; Runway 738 = 80mm; Takeoff = 230mm |
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- Parking and way up to the house
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- Gate of the house. Spot to the right
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- View from the top
 |
Spot #6 – Cargo – RWY05 arrivals |
|---|---|
| WHERE | Drive to the airport on the VR1 and from there use the signs to “cargo”. There is a small cargo building south of the terminal. Park your car on the provided lots. Access by foot from the terminal is 10 minutes. From the arrival level take the right lane, pass in front of the white building (police station), pass it and then you will see the spot to your right. |
| WHAT | Allows you to photograph the arrivals at 05, with a great background. Ground movements are impossible as the runway is on a higher level and bushes and plants blocking the sight. Also 90 degree arrival pictures are not possible as the plane is too low for that! |
| TIME | Good location from morning until noon (approximate 3 pm in the summer) |
| MISC. | The Terminal with all the amenities is just around the corner. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | Taxiway 738 = 140mm; Runway 738 = 80mm; Takeoff = 230mm |
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- The cargo building
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- View from the location
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- Postion of the aircraft when they on backtrack
 |
Spot #7 – Mountain view at Rua de S. Sebastião – Backtrack RWY05 |
|---|---|
| WHERE | Drive from Spot 4 the street “Rua de S. Sebastião” in Western direction up in the mountains until you have a clear view to the runway. No public transport there. |
| WHAT | Allows you to photograph the arrivals at RWY05 and backtrack for departure at RWY05. |
| TIME | In the summer a good from the afternoon (around 4 p.m.) until sunset. |
| MISC. | Nothing near by bring with you what you need. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | 150-250mm Backtrack B738 = 220mm; Backtrack A332 = 160mm; Landing B738 = 200mm |
 |
Spot #8 – Pedestrian bridge – Backtrack RWY23 |
|---|---|
| WHERE | Drive from the Terminal on VR1 in direction of Machico and turn off before a tunnel coming up shortly after passing the runway. Make a 180 turn on next roundabout and drive until you can see the pedastrian bridge, park your car next to the road. |
| WHAT | Allows you to photograph the arrivals at RWY23 and backtrack for departure at RWY23 |
| TIME | In the summer a good from the afternoon (around 4 p.m.) until sunset. |
| MISC. | Supermarket in the near, also a little Bar |
| FOCAL LENGTH | 35-70mm |
Hello guys when is the terrace open and closed ? Im in Madeira and want to go spotting
Hi,
Not long back from another visit to FNC and just a little up-date. The Santa Cruz Boutique Hotel has been shut for a few years now (although it appears someone is living on the top floor). The Hotel Vila Galé (all inclusive) or the Santa Cruz Village Hotel are both good alternatives. The Vila Galé is on the seafront and a sea facing room will allow views of the final approach. The Village Hotel is towards the back of Santa Cruz with a higher elevation. Local cabs are cheap and recommended. When I went to the more distant spots (and walked back) the fares were only 5-7 euros one way.
(Many of my geotagged images are here: ( https://www.flickr.com/photos/fjroll/albums/72177720299851607 )
Can you say what is the runway rating CAT 1, 2 or 3
nothing of this 23 RNAV 05 Visual
kann man vom Hotel Albatroz, was am Terminal liegt zu Aussichtspunkt 2 ( gegenüber des Terminal) zu Fuß hin kommen oder benötigt man dafür ein Auto?
Auf der gegenüberliegenden Seite vom Hotel gibt es entlang der Autobahn einen schmalen Pfad hinter der Leitplanke. Bei überqueren würde ich aber aufpassen und evtl. die Brücke zum Terminal verwenden um auf die nördliche Seite zu gelangen.
-Julian
Thanks for the guide. I also wrote one on my blog – https://www.bastianbalthasarbooks.co.uk/2016/12/off-topic-post-tips-for-aviation.html – which focuses a bit more on spots where a lot of zoom lens is needed, and on logistics for visitors in Madeira.
One thing I’m curious about: On Tripadvisor, an old forum post suggests that it’s possible to book flights around the island at the airport. Is there a website? Does anyone know more? I saw a Cessna Skymaster (I think) fly around the airport a lot, and wonder whether that’s something tourists can book onto…
Thank you so much for posting this very useful spotting guide. It’s my third attempt at googling for information
My wife is treating me (birthday) to a week here November 16. We have just returned from Skiathos and I got superb shots there(three visits) of the usual plane locations but also up the hill past the Punta Hotel opposite the road to the runway from town and further up the road opposite the town. Got a superb shot of a Thomson 757-200 low incoming right above an anchored german cruise ship..Europa2 so I’m really looking forward to getting some more at Madeira.
The Funchal terminal sounds a great place and as mentioned by Lewis I can get an Aero bus from town…infact our hotel has a courtesy bus to the airport as it’s a 15 minute walk from town. Would you know of another location overlooking the airport that has a bus route ? Agua de Pena photos above look good..is there a service there ? I’ve seen photos taken just above sea level which shows the pillars of the runway extension so I assume it’s a matter of seeing if there’s a way of getting there from the terminal.
Car hire.. ? Maybe drivers are good on Funchal but my wife wouldn’t have us renting any means of transport on holiday having witnessed the standard of driving in Skiathos.There’s a complete disregard of traffic law..there are laws, I asked but they are ignored and not policed. Our taxi driver to town one day (two buses were full) drove the 10 minutes having a heated conversation with someone, then wrote notes on a pad stuck to the dash,had a near miss with a bus on a bend and then he then stopped to pick up his wife who sat in the front seat with her large 12 year old on her lap..a police car was driving along in front of us too…lol. All pretty scary for my wife.
No website ?..Unfortunately,I’m not too good with computer technology but I need to get to grips with this. I’m having to Email people I met in Skiathos with my plane photos.
I’ll take my scanner (Tommy above). I’ve just checked and the tower is 118.35. Hope this is the one. Unlike Skiathos, which has two busy days,Tuesdays and Fridays,the rest not much doing,I see today,Sunday 27th. is busy all day so no hanging around problems, I’ll keep checking throughout the week.
Thank you again.
John W.
Thaks for the helpful information, I’ll be there in a week!
Hi Julian
Thank you for a very informative site. It looks great. Do you know whether it is OK to use a scanner here?
Cheers
Tommy
Hi Tommy,
I am not sure if its illegal to use a scanner but I know that local spotters use a scanner even without earphones.
So I can’t imagine you become a problem.
Regards
Julian
Thanks Julian
Your information posted on Funchal Airport Madeira, was spot on and helped me fantastic.
I used the aero bus from my hotel Pestana Casino Park in Funchal, right to the airport terminal.
Followed your information going inside and taking the stairs on the far left of the building,
I then ended up on the fantastic roof terrace, pity more airports could not follow this roof terrace.
Got some great photos.
All thanks to you
Lewis Wilson
Hi Lewis, good to hear that everything was fine and you had an enjoyable stay. It was a pleasure to help you out with informations!
Regards, Julian
Going here next week, this info has been real handy.
Thanks Lewis, have a nice trip to FNC!