Did you know Madeira Airport’s first flight was a TAP Super Constellation in July 1964?

Madeira’s airport opened to traffic with a single landing from the mainland. According to a press release from ANA Aeroportos de Portugal marking the airport’s 60th anniversary, the inaugural flight took place on 8 July 1964, when a TAP Super Constellation from Lisbon touched down at 11.24. At the time the airport was known as Santa Catarina; today it is called Aeroporto Cristiano Ronaldo.

Six decades later, the scale is very different. ANA states that the airport set a record in 2023 with more than 4.5 million passengers, 43% more than in 2019. In summer 2024, 22 scheduled airlines linked Madeira with more than 58 direct destinations, according to the same release.

The operator also highlights recognition beyond traffic. The airport holds ACA 5 environmental certification, which ANA describes as the highest level, and received the Best Airport 2023 award from Airports Council International. ANA says it has cut Scope 1 and 2 carbon emissions by more than 90% and has recently introduced a biometric boarding system, Biometrics Experience by VINCI Airports.

The figures show how far the island’s air connections have grown since that first landing. Before travelling, passengers should confirm current schedules and boarding procedures with their airline and with the airport.