Approximately 50 kms north of Madeira a small Island called Porto Santo is located. This small island is not yet crowded by tourists but nevertheless known for its 9 km long sandy beach. So currently besides some regular domestic flights only a few charter flights are serving the small airport. In summer 2026 you will find regular services to Lisbon (TAP, easy), Porto (easy) and Funchal (Binter). Charter services are offered by Luxair, Atlantic Airways, Smartwings, Trade Air and Horizont.

Check also the airport website for flights: https://www.portosantoairport.pt/en/pxo/home

PXO handled around 250.000 pax in 2024. Some days have only 3 movements, on busier days you can see a few more planned flights. As there is also a military base some air force movements can be expected.

While it is a quiet airport, there are some advantages: It is reachable by car within a few minutes from the beach and from time to time diverted flights from Funchal are landing here. As in Funchal regularly strong winds are stopping the traffic, some of the diversions will land in PXO. The runway in PXO is longer and the approach is less challenging. So check radar websites for possible extra landings when the heavy crosswinds are blowing in FNC…

Written by Marcus. Last Update: June 2026

Rating
Movements
Airline Variety
Photo Locations
Weather
Airport Information
Runways
18/36	3,000 m/9,843 ft
Terminals	Only one small building
Spotting Information
Ladder	Not needed
Car/Public Transport	Car is not required but helpful. Also e-bikes can be rented and should be sufficient too reach most spots. Public transport is not available.
Drinks/Food	In the terminal or on the beach.
Hotels	Some hotels and apartments can be found on the island. Just check the usual websites.
Season	The climate in Porto Santo is very constant. Sunny days are alternating with cloudy days. Even in summer it is not too hot.
Security	No security issues
Runway Usage
18/36	Due to northerly winds 95% of time 36 is used

	Spot #1 – Observation Deck – All movements
WHERE	Directly right to the terminal building you will find the stairs to the visitor terrace. Just climb up and enjoy. No glass, nothing is obstructing the view. Parking in front of the terminal is free of charge for 30 minutes.
WHAT	The whole apron is directly in front of you. Also the action on the runway is closeby.
TIME	From sunrise until noon all year round.
MISC.	Restrooms and a small snack bar is in the terminal building.
FOCAL LENGTH	From 30 mm on the apron up to 180 mm on the runway (A320)

PXO-Spot1

PXO-Spot1

PXO-Spot1

	Spot #2 – Tower – 36 arrivals and departures
WHERE	You can shoot from the street to and from the terminal level, close to the bus parking. Directly left to the terminal building next the control tower you have a free view of the runway. Parking in front of the terminal is free of charge for 30 minutes.
WHAT	Runway 36 arrivals and departures.
TIME	From sunrise until noon all year round.
MISC.	Restrooms and a small snack bar is in the terminal building.
FOCAL LENGTH	220 mm for A320, longer focal length for touchdown

PXO-Spot2

	Spot #3 – Construction Company – 36 line-up and arrivals
WHERE	From the airport take the first exit at the roundabout into Estrada João Inácio Perestrelo. After 300 m turn right at the small residential area and follow the road to the airport fence. Near a construction company, you can park your car and climb onto an installation box that isn’t very high. From there, you have a clear view over the fence.
WHAT	Arrivals and line-up of runway 36.
TIME	From early morning until noon
MISC.	Nothing nearby. No ladder needed.
FOCAL LENGTH	40 mm (A320)

PXO-Spot3

PXO-Spot3

	Spot #4 – Fields – 36 departure and arrivals
WHERE	From Porto Santo/beach head north on Estrada das Areias and turn right into Estrada Benvinda Ascensão Oliveira. Follow the road for appr. 700 m. Park your car on the gravel without blocking the dirt road to the farms. Move back along the road until the end of the airport fence and choose your preferred position along the road.
WHAT	Runway 36 arrivals and departures.
TIME	Afternoon until sunset
MISC.	No ladder needed as the position is on a higher level than the runway. Be aware of the cars passing by. They tend to honk to say hello.
FOCAL LENGTH	From 70 mm for A320

PXO-Spot4

PXO-Spot4