Funchal Airport

We have used this airport several times in the past two years and it doesn't seem to improve. Queuing times at check-in takes ages and the facilities in the departure lounges are extremely expensive (captive audience?). The duty free is anything but duty free. The airport itself is pretty and modern but ground staff have little or no organisation skills although this could be due to the airlines not the airport. Unfortunately this airport is much like any other something to be endured rather than enjoyed.

Very chaotic. Was a more efficiently run establishment thirty years ago when the old airport was in use. I have experienced both old and new airports on many occasions so it is not a case of a 'one off' unfortunate experience at the new airport.

Loved the approach to this airport. Runway is built into the sea meaning an incredibly low approach with a 180 degree turn as you come in to land. Airport itself is small and obviously only handles holiday or local flights. Facilities reasonable and nice to be able to go to the roof to watch the landings and take offs. With only half a dozen flights at a time the terminal gets very full and a bit chaotic.

If you hit this airport on a quiet time you will have a great experience. Very civilised and you might be able to walk to your plane. There is a viewing area on the third floor and a pretty duty free shopping area (but prices higher than in town). However if its busy it can get quite chaotic especially at the security area - long queues hassled irritated staff and nobody seemingly looking after the customers (us!). Although mostly you can walk to your plane (they park right at the boarding gates) last time I was there they insisted on loading everybody in buses (like cattle) to drive not more than ten metres to the waiting plane!

Upon arrival we discovered that they have now several lines for new biometric passports but only 2 lines to queue for ordinary passports. Unfortunately to date the majority of the passengers still have the latter so we found the ordinary passport queues were extremely long while the biometric passport section was almost empty! On departure we realised Funchal airport has a procedure where you first go through the queue for security check then you get into the departure hall and just before boarding you are expected to queue yet again for passport control. The main departure hall has no toilets and if you wish to visit them you have to go up to the next floor. There are some retail shops including a very large one which emblazoned its shop front signs with the words "Duty Free". We asked one of the shop keepers about it and she said the goods are "duty paid". So why put the sign as "Duty Free" I asked? She just shrugged her shoulders! What is more many of the items are quite expensive . I feel such kind of "questionable" practice gives Tourism in Madeira a bad name and I hope the proper authorities will read this and do something about it. Duty Free should mean Duty Free. Otherwise it is not honest (at least not in my books).

Madeira (Funchal) is a pleasant smallish airport. Excellent modern and clean airport. We used the airport on Thursdays a so called 'British' day with approximately 20 UK charters arriving and departing. Doesn't seem to suffer overcrowding as everything seems to work just great. The baggage reclaim is just about adequate and the check-in area is quite nice. Great airport friendliest security staff I have ever come across.

We spent two hours queuing to get through security and then through passport control. It was the most chaotic airport ever. No one seemed to have any thought for passenger comfort and young and old were treated with the same disregard. Lots of staff with clip boards doing nothing and very hostile none smiling personal at the passport control desks. The person in charge of this shambles should be made to join the queues and experience first hand the ridiculous system over which he or she presides. A beautiful Island lovely holiday except for Funchal Airport.

We use Funchal airport four times per year and have generally been happy however on Monday 28 January this illusion was shattered! Chaos reigned throughout the airport as the queue for Passport Control was occupying most of the departure floor. The problem appeared to be the lack of staff to inform the departing passengers and control the queues which were totally disorganised and giving a very bad impression of Funchal Airport. Many people were complaining that this was the first and last time they would visit the island. There seemed to be about four planes boarding at the same time. The whole experience was very stressful. The quality rating below reflects this visit and not our normal experience.

Spotless efficient and friendly staff. Check in smooth and efficient lounge was comfy and has a great view overlooking the sea.

Excellent little airport spotlessly clean. Previously experienced delay at security (Aug. 06) had been completely resolved. Boarding is almost scarey-quick! It is easy to miss the huge restaurant and cafe on the floor above departures. We didn't notice a sign but went looking. Prices are good but most people seem not to know they're there!