July 8, 1964: Inauguration Of Madeira Airport
Today marks the 60th anniversary of the inauguration of Funchal Airport, a historic day for the Madeira region. The airport, which has been known by several names over the years, including Funchal Airport, Santa Catarina Airport, Madeira Airport, and most recently, Christiano Ronaldo International Airport, was officially opened on July 8, 1964, by the last president of the authoritarian and corporatist Estado Novo, Américo Thomaz (19 November 1894 – 18 September 1987).
Imagine Madeira Without An Airport
Before the airport's opening, Madeira was only accessible by seaplane or boat, despite the Porto Santo airport having opened in 1960, a few years prior. The inauguration of the airport was seen as a major milestone for the region, as it opened up new possibilities for tourism and economic development. The first plane landed at the airport on July 8, 1964, at 11:30 AM, marking the beginning of a new era for Madeira.
Construction Took 3 Years To Complete
The construction of the airport was a major undertaking, with work beginning on June 5, 1961. The project involved the demolition of a house on the site where the runway would be built, as well as the construction of a new terminal building and other facilities. it has since undergone several extensions of its runway in 1986 and 2002.
Funchal Airport Today
Today, Funchal Airport is a major hub for tourism in Madeira, welcoming millions of passengers each year. The airport has undergone several renovations and expansions over the years. it has been named a global leader in CO2 reduction and is considered the airport that has the world’s most exciting landing spot.
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