Travel Disruption: Five-Day easyJet Strike Cancels Flights
For travelers flying with easyJet, a complicated weekend is ahead. A five-day cabin crew strike began today, lasting until Tuesday, October 6th, and affecting all Portuguese airports, including Funchal. The airline has already canceled over 80% of its scheduled flights.
- Who is affected? All passengers with easyJet tickets to/from Madeira between October 2nd and 6th.
- What does this mean in practice? There is a very high probability that your flight will be canceled. Although minimum services are guaranteed (2 flights daily from Lisbon, 1 from Porto), this is a fraction of normal operations and is primarily intended for urgent cases.
- What should you do? Check your flight status immediately in the easyJet app or on their website. If your flight has been canceled, contact the airline. You are entitled to be re-routed on another flight (even with a different airline), or to receive compensation and have accommodation and meals provided.
Trail Status Update: Warning, PR10 Levada do Furado is Now Closed
The Institute of Forests and Nature Conservation (IFCN) issued an important warning today. Due to a landslide and a collapsed walkway, one of the most popular routes on the island is completely closed until further notice.
Overview of Trail Restrictions:
- Newly fully closed: PR10 Levada do Furado (section Ribeiro Frio – Lamaceiros). Do not plan this hike.
- Long-term closures: PR 7 Levada do Moinho, PR 20 Vereda do Jardim do Mar, PR 27 Glaciar de Planalto, and PR 28 Levada da Rocha Vermelha.
- Restrictions on PR1 (Pico do Areeiro ↔ Pico Ruivo): The eastern route through the tunnels (Pico das Torres) remains closed. On the western route, a one-way system is in place from the Pedra Rija viewpoint towards Pico Ruivo.
- Restrictions on PR6 (Levada das 25 Fontes): The route is passable, but a one-way loop system has been established to improve the flow of tourists.
Remember: For all official PR routes, online registration and payment of a fee via the Simplifica portal are mandatory. Always do this in advance.
Viewpoint Safety: Don’t Risk Your Life for a Photo
Madeiran media today highlighted dangerous behavior by tourists at the Ponta do Pargo viewpoint. Dozens of people are ignoring safety barriers and entering unstable cliff edges, often in inappropriate footwear. This life-threatening behavior may also be occurring at other locations on the island.
- Who does this affect? All visitors to viewpoints and coastal paths.
- What this means in practice: The cliffs in Madeira are weakened by erosion and can collapse at any time. Warning signs and fences are there for a very real reason.
- What we recommend: Never cross safety barriers. Wear sturdy footwear, even for short stops by car. Remember that in addition to the mortal danger, violating these prohibitions can also result in heavy fines.
Weekend Tips: Apple Festival and Modern Art
Despite the logistical complications, Madeira still offers plenty of great experiences. If you’re looking for something to do this evening or over the weekend, we have two tips:
- Festa da Maçã in Camacha: In the mountain village of Camacha, the traditional Apple Festival is in full swing. The main attraction is a tent with a historic apple press, which is open today from 18:00 to 23:00. You can taste freshly pressed juice and the famous local cider (sidra). Don’t forget warmer clothing, as Camacha is at a higher altitude.
- FRACTAL Festival in Funchal: The modern art festival is running in the capital city until Sunday. Stroll through the streets between the Nazaré and Barreiros districts and discover art installations, exhibitions, and other events in public spaces, all free and open to everyone.