For many years one could only get to Madeira Islands by boat, that is why our harbour in Funchal was so developed in the 19th century.

But with the evolution of the aeronautical industry Madeira, as a tourism destination had to face the limitations imposed by the reveal and build an airport.

The History of Aviation in Madeira Archipelago starts in 1921, after the Second World War, when the first hydroplane alighted on water on the 22nd of March.

On 1957 the first experience took place in Santa Catarina runway, but only in 1964 Madeira airport started to operate with 1,6 km long. In the year 2000 Madeira Airport has almost doubled its runway length to 2,8 km, gaining space over the sea in such a major work of engineering that in 2004 was recognized with the World Award of Structural Engineering.

Contrary to what many people say and despite of some unusual weather conditions, Madeira has a safe airport.

Photo by Catarina Fagundes