Air Travel Disrupted: What to Do If You’re Flying?
Cristiano Ronaldo International Airport is currently experiencing strong winds, causing significant delays, diversions, and cancellations. Some aircraft have been redirected to the Canary Islands or Lisbon.
- Who is affected: All passengers flying to or from Madeira today.
- What this means for you: Expect chaos, long waits, and potential last-minute changes to your flight schedule.
- Our recommendation: Before heading to the airport, it is essential to contact your airline to verify the current status of your flight. Also, monitor the airport’s official online departure board.
Weather & Safety: Wind, Heat, and High Waves
A yellow warning for strong winds and high temperatures is in effect across the entire island. This combination presents several risks to consider when planning your activities.
In the Mountains and Inland
In mountainous areas, wind gusts can reach speeds of up to 110 km/h. Exercise extreme caution on exposed ridges and viewpoints. Consider postponing strenuous hikes.
On the Coast
The Port Authority has issued a strong sea swell warning (Signal 6). Waves of up to 2.5 meters are expected on the north coast. It is strongly advised to avoid breakwaters, cliffs, and swimming in natural pools (such as those in Porto Moniz), where there is a risk of being swept away by waves. Whale watching boat trips may be cancelled.
Extreme Fire Risk
Due to the heat and dry winds, there is an extreme risk of forest fires in the municipalities of Funchal, Santa Cruz, Machico, and Santana. A strict ban on starting fires is in effect. To enhance safety, a second, smaller, and more agile firefighting helicopter has been deployed today. If you see smoke, call 112 immediately.
Trail Status and Mountain Hiking
Registration and a fee of €3 per person (free for children under 12) are mandatory for all official hiking trails (marked as PR). This must be done through the simplifica.madeira.gov.pt portal.
- PR 1 (Vereda do Areeiro): The most popular ridge trail between Pico do Areeiro and Pico Ruivo is only partially open. The eastern, more challenging route via Pico das Torres is CLOSED. Only the western route (via the tunnels) is safely passable up to the Pedra Rija viewpoint (approximately 1.2 km from the start at Pico do Areeiro).
- PR 3 (Porto Santo): Construction work is underway on this trail; please proceed with increased caution.
Practical Information: Holiday, Transport, and Services
Today, Madeira celebrates a public holiday, Madeira Day (Day of the Autonomous Region). This brings some unique considerations as well as opportunities.
- Services and Shops: Banks, post offices, and government offices are closed. Shops and restaurants in tourist centers are mostly operating without restrictions.
- Waste Collection: If you are staying in an apartment, please note that there is no waste collection today.
- Rodoeste Bus Service: The company providing services to the west of the island (Porto Moniz, Cabo Girão) is transitioning to the new GIRO ticketing system. This is causing huge queues at the main ticket office in Funchal (Rua do Esmeraldo). We strongly recommend avoiding this ticket office and purchasing tickets online or inquiring about payment options with the driver.
- Cultural Programme Tips: Don’t miss today’s celebrations. In Câmara de Lobos, a traditional maritime procession is taking place this morning. In Funchal, the Madeira Classical Orchestra will hold a free open-air concert in Santa Catarina Park starting at 21:00 (9:00 PM).