Air Travel: Disruptions at Cristiano Ronaldo Airport (FNC)
Strong winds have virtually cut off Madeira’s air connections today. The situation at Funchal’s airport is critical.
Who is affected?
All travelers scheduled to arrive in or depart from Madeira today.
What does this mean in practice?
Due to strong wind gusts, around 40 flights have already been cancelled. Aircraft unable to land are being diverted to the island of Porto Santo, the Canary Islands, or are returning to their point of departure, most often Lisbon.
What do we recommend?
- Do not go to the airport without checking first. Always verify your flight’s current status in your airline’s mobile app or on the airport operator’s website (ANA Aeroportos) before you leave.
- If your flight has been cancelled, contact your accommodation immediately to arrange a possible extension of your stay. Availability near the airport in Machico and Santa Cruz is filling up quickly.
Safety First: Warnings for the Coast and Mountain Trails
The Portuguese Institute for Sea and Atmosphere (IPMA) has issued a yellow warning for strong winds, with gusts potentially reaching up to 110 km/h in the mountains. Based on this, the following restrictions are in place.
Coast and Boat Trips
- Who is affected: Anyone planning boat trips, beach walks, or visits to cliffs.
- What this means in practice: All whale and dolphin watching boat trips are cancelled. Authorities strongly advise against being near cliffs, on piers, and along promenades due to the risk of being swept away by waves or hit by falling rocks. Visiting exposed viewpoints like Cabo Girão or the Ponta de São Lourenço peninsula is not recommended today.
Mountain Hikes and Levadas (PR trails)
- Who is affected: All hiking enthusiasts.
- What this means in practice: The Institute of Forests and Nature Conservation (IFCN) is proactively closing the most dangerous trail sections. For example, the famous ridge trail PR1 Vereda do Areeiro (between Pico do Areeiro and Pico Ruivo) is completely closed due to the risk of falling.
- What do we recommend: Before any hike, check the current trail status on the official Madeira Trail Status portal (ifcn.madeira.gov.pt). Do not enter closed paths.
Practical Tips: What to Do Today and How to Plan for the Coming Days
Alternative Activities for a Windy Day
Today’s weather is perfect for indoor activities. Consider visiting the CR7 Museum or the Madeira Story Centre, exploring the famous Mercado dos Lavradores, tasting Madeira wine at Blandy’s Wine Lodge, or simply enjoying the atmosphere in one of Funchal’s many cafés.
Planning Hikes for the Next Few Days: Fees and Summer Schedule
When the weather improves, remember two new updates:
- Mandatory Fee: All non-residents over the age of 12 must now pay a €3 fee and make a reservation through the SIMPLIFICA platform to access recommended trails (PR).
- Summer Hours: The good news is that with the arrival of daylight saving time, reservation hours have been extended, so more afternoon slots are now available for popular routes like PR6 Levada das 25 Fontes or PR9 Caldeirão Verde.