Funchal Airport

Steps and buses awaiting the plane; whisked through passport control; luggage there within 20 minutes. Reasonably priced food and drink in the airy terminal while awaiting boarding our return flight. Totally hassle- free - why can't we do this in England?

I'd almost forgotten such airports existed a pleasure to use including the outdoor viewing terrace with a great view of the ramp. Shame about the security staff who were obviously having a bad day.

We are just back from a fine week in Madeira. The airport - hugely improved over recent years - is a complete pleasure to use. The aircraft captain was very complimentary about the fast efficient turn-around of the aircraft which got us home on schedule despite some strong headwinds.

This is a really pleasant airport. Spotlessly clean and a credit to the staff. Restaurant prices are very good for an airport and the fare is of a more than reasonable standard.

I can only concur with the previous comments as regards the airport - in our case the holiday company that we had gone to Maderia with transferred all their clients to a luxury Hotel in Funchal at the outset so we only spent a short time at the Airport in both directions. The Maderians are very proud of their tiny airport and quite rightly so - however the dramatic landings and take off can not be over emphasised. But despite the above we can not wait to return to what can only be described as paradise!

Facilities are clean staff helpful and friendly. Unsure as to why passports are checked so thouroghly on the way out guess it's the times we live in. Superb large play area for the children and a viewing terrace to die for. A fantastic view of planes taking off and landing. I'm sure if things got busy and the weather bad and delays ensued things might go pear shaped. I could think of worst airports around the world this could happen!

Used Funchal on 3 occasions now. Flights being held up due to all baggage being x-ray'd-- May 2005. One suitcase was opened without my knowledge and loaded as such. Very angry about that. Poor P/A system is not very clear and the info screens all blank---? If I was a single traveller I would have been lost. Held on runway while pilot requested removal of seagulls prior to take off. Should really be observed by the tower.

Was held up at Funchal airport 14th.Feb 2005. Flights out impossible due to adverse weather conditions. Airport staff amazingly efficient everywhere kept clean and cafe and restaurant worked hard to keep large numbers of waiting passengers happy. When it became evident that all flights in and out would have to be cancelled all passengers transported to overnight accommodation (in my case a 5* resort) where we were made very welcome and given dinner/ breakfast and generally cared for. If this has to happen to you pray that it happens in Madeira!

A dramatic runway for take offs and landings! Very clean and efficient airport - arrived through security and luggage collected and en route into Funchal itself in less than 20 mins. and the return flight check in was very efficient. small airport and limited facilities when leaving but no problems whatsoever

Flew out of Funchal recently to LHR: one EU country to another. Boarding time was given as 1140 for a 1210 departure. There was just one immigration official carefully scrutinising "all" passengers' passports before we reached the departure gate. The queue which had formed at 11.35 had to be seen to be believed. I cleared the immigration desk at 1210 the queue still trailing behind me. "Don't think we'll be leaving on time" was the comment heard from the passenger behind me with a resigned expression on his face. I understand the need for scrutiny on arrival on the island but is it necessary on leaving? And for passengers with EU passports going to another EU country? Nice airport but efficiency of passenger handling on this occasion was poor.