An engineering marvel
Madeira Airport opened in 1964 with a runway of only 1,600 metres, squeezed between cliffs and the sea. After a fatal accident in 1977, it was extended, and in 2000 a massive extension on 180 reinforced concrete columns brought it to 2,781 metres. The structure won international engineering awards and created a space beneath the runway now used for parking and sports.
What you’ll see on the live cam
The Madeira-Web stream shows TAP’s flights from Lisbon and Porto, low-cost and holiday flights from across Europe, and inter-island flights. On windy days, aircraft fly a tight, curving approach along the coast, sometimes making several attempts or diverting to Porto Santo or Lisbon – dramatic viewing for aviation fans.
Runway
A single runway, 05/23. Runway 05 arrivals require a curving visual approach along the coast because of the mountains; runway 23 arrivals come in over the sea.
Best times to watch
- Windy days, especially in winter: challenging approaches and go-arounds.
- Weekends: the busiest holiday traffic.
