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08 Aug 2017 | 09:03 AM UTC

Portugal: Flights disruptions at Madeira Airport

Adverse weather conditions in Funchal cause over 100 flight delays/cancelations in recent days; further disruptions to be expected through August 8

Warning

Event

Strong winds (up to 75 km/h [45 mph]) have caused over 100 flights to be delayed or canceled, and some 15,000 passengers to be left stranded, at Madeira-Christiano Renaldo International Airport (FNC) since Friday, August 4. Difficult flying conditions are forecast through at least Tuesday, August 8.  This has caused chaos, with many passengers having to reach Madeira Island via boat or obliged to reschedule their flights. Some flights were diverted to neighboring island of Porto Santo.

Context

FNC, otherwise known as Funchal Airport or Madeira Airport, is widely recognized as the most difficult airport to land in Europe due to its proximity to mountains and the ocean.

Advice

Travelers are advised to confirm their flight status with their airlines.