The Airport
Why Is Madeira Airport Called Cristiano Ronaldo Airport?
A leisure airport named after the island's most famous son — and the petition that tried to stop it.
Last updated:
Madeira Airport is called Cristiano Ronaldo Airport because it was renamed in his honour in 2017. Ronaldo was born in Funchal, Madeira, and the regional government — which announced the plan in 2016 — formally unveiled the Aeroporto Internacional da Madeira Cristiano Ronaldo on 29 March 2017 at a ceremony he attended. Its airport codes, FNC and LPMA, were unchanged.
Why is Madeira Airport named after Cristiano Ronaldo?
Madeira Airport carries Cristiano Ronaldo’s name because he is Madeira’s most famous son: he was born in Funchal, the island’s capital, on 5 February 1985. The regional government announced in 2016 that it would rename the airport in his honour, and the rebranded Aeroporto Internacional da Madeira Cristiano Ronaldo was formally unveiled on 29 March 2017 at a ceremony Ronaldo attended.
The airport had previously been known as Santa Catarina Airport or simply Funchal Airport since it opened in 1964. The 2017 change was a rebranding, not a new airport — operations, runway and codes all stayed the same.
What are Madeira Airport’s codes — FNC and LPMA?
Madeira Airport’s IATA code is FNC (derived from Funchal) and its ICAO code is LPMA. These codes were not affected by the 2017 rename and remain in use across tickets, timetables and flight-tracking.
| Identifier | Code |
|---|---|
| IATA | FNC |
| ICAO | LPMA |
| Official name | Aeroporto Internacional da Madeira Cristiano Ronaldo |
| Former names | Santa Catarina Airport, Funchal Airport |
| Operator | ANA Aeroportos de Portugal |
Was the renaming controversial?
Yes — locally, the rename was genuinely contentious. A resident, Sibil Soares, launched an online petition that drew roughly 2,547 signatures, arguing the honour was disproportionate and lacked plausible justification; one signatory quipped that next they would announce Madeira was to be renamed “Ronaldo Island.” Critics generally felt a more distinguished historical figure deserved the naming. Madeira’s regional president dismissed the critics as showing a lack of manners.
Is the airport actually owned by Ronaldo?
No. Naming the airport after Cristiano Ronaldo is purely an honorific; he does not own or run it. The airport is owned and operated by ANA Aeroportos de Portugal (part of the Vinci Airports group), and the decision to rename it was taken by Madeira’s regional government. The footballer’s connection is that he was born and raised in Funchal before beginning his career at Sporting CP and then Manchester United.
For the story of the statue that turned a regional rebrand into a worldwide talking point, see the infamous Ronaldo bust.
Frequently asked questions
Why is Madeira Airport called Cristiano Ronaldo Airport?
It was renamed in 2017 to honour Cristiano Ronaldo, who was born in Funchal, Madeira, in 1985. The regional government announced the rename in 2016 and unveiled it on 29 March 2017 at a ceremony the footballer attended.
What is the official name of Madeira Airport?
Its official name is Aeroporto Internacional da Madeira Cristiano Ronaldo (Madeira Cristiano Ronaldo International Airport). It was previously known as Santa Catarina or Funchal Airport.
What is the airport code for Madeira?
Madeira Airport's IATA code is FNC (from Funchal) and its ICAO code is LPMA. The codes did not change when the airport was renamed in 2017.
Was the renaming controversial?
Yes. A resident launched an online petition that drew roughly 2,547 signatures, arguing the honour was disproportionate. The much-mocked Ronaldo bust unveiled at the same ceremony drew far wider, global attention.
Is Cristiano Ronaldo from Madeira?
Yes. Cristiano Ronaldo was born on 5 February 1985 in Funchal, the capital of Madeira, which is why the island's airport was named after him.