- Flight Disruptions
- Strong winds cancel 22 flights at Madeira Airport
Strong winds cancel 22 flights at Madeira Airport
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Checked by Matteo Floris
Last updated on 10 June 2026
22
Affected flights
1
Affected airports
22
Affected flights
1
Affected airports
Disruption overview
Powerful winds disrupted flights at Madeira Airport (FNC) in Funchal on 9 June 2026, leading to 22 cancellations by 11:30 pm and forcing other services to divert. Gusts reached 94 km/h in the afternoon and were still strong late in the evening, making it unsafe for some aircraft to land or depart. The disruption was still affecting operations late on Tuesday. Because the problem was weather-related, compensation under EC 261 is usually unlikely, but airlines should still provide care and assistance, including rebooking or refunds, meals, and hotel accommodation where needed.
Disruption details
Strong winds caused major disruption at Madeira Airport (FNC) in Funchal, Portugal, on 9 June 2026. By 11:30 pm, the airport's movement log showed 22 passenger flights had been canceled, and other services had been diverted.
For passengers, this meant a long day of uncertainty. Arrivals and departures were affected throughout Tuesday as aircraft were unable to land or take off safely in the conditions, leaving many journeys unsettled well into the evening.
By late evening, the disruption included:
22 flights were canceled across both arrivals and departures.
Other services were diverted as airlines tried to manage the conditions.
The operational impact was still being felt late on Tuesday.
The weather remained severe for much of the day. Wind gusts reached 94 km/h at 3:30 pm and were still blowing at 69 km/h later in the evening. Those conditions made normal operations difficult at Cristiano Ronaldo Madeira International Airport.
Late on Tuesday, the winds were still affecting the airfield. That meant the disruption had not cleared by the end of the day, and passengers were still dealing with changed plans as airlines tried to manage the weather.
The canceled flights were scheduled passenger services that had been due to arrive at or depart from Madeira on Tuesday. The main impact reported was cancellations and diversions, rather than a wider pattern of long delays.
If you were due to fly to or from Madeira, the most important next step is to check directly with your airline for a new itinerary or a refund. When a flight is canceled, carriers still need to offer an alternative way to travel or give you your money back if you decide not to continue your trip.
Because this disruption was caused by bad weather, compensation under EC 261 is usually unlikely. Still, your airline should provide care and assistance while you wait. That can include meals and refreshments, hotel accommodation if you're stranded overnight, and transport to that accommodation when needed.
Even when compensation probably won't apply, it helps to know where you stand. If your flight at Madeira Airport was canceled or heavily disrupted on 9 June 2026, you can use AirHelp's free flight checker to understand your rights and see what support may be available for your specific journey.
Know your rights
These are your air passenger rights
When your flight's disrupted, you may be entitled to various forms of care and compensation under EC 261 and other applicable laws.
Rerouting or refund
If your flight is canceled, your airline must provide an alternative. You may also get a full refund if you no longer wish to travel.
Care and assistance
Your airline must provide food and refreshments if your journey is delayed more than a few hours.
Accommodation
If you are away from home and your journey is delayed overnight, the airline must offer you accommodation and transportation to it.
Communication
Under EC 261 you are entitled to 2 phone calls or emails if your journey is delayed over 1 hour. No compensation when a disruption is caused by extraordinary circumstances, as this appears to be.
This advice is provided to help you if your flight is delayed or canceled. However, the exact care and compensation you are entitled to will depend on your specific circumstances and flight. Always follow the directions of your airline, particularly with regard to check-in and boarding times.
Quick facts
Summary
Disruption
cancellation
Cause
Weather issue
Status
Current disruption
Compensation
Not eligible for compensation
Flights affected
22
Airports affected
Madeira Airport
Cities affected
Funchal
Countries affected
Portugal
Start date
2026-06-09
Checked by
Matteo Floris
Date updated
10 June 2026
What to do if your flight is delayed, canceled, or overbooked
If you're traveling to, from, or within the European Union, here's what you should do when you experience a disruption.
Gather evidence that your flight was delayed, cancelled, or overbooked.
Get the airline to provide written confirmation of the disruption and the reason behind it.
Request an alternative flight to your destination — or a refund if you no longer wish to travel.
Make a note of the arrival time at your final destination.
Ask the airline to provide vouchers for meals and refreshments.
Avoid signing documents or accepting offers that may waive your passenger rights.
If an overnight stay is required, ask the airline to provide accommodation.
Save receipts for any additional expenses caused by the disruption.
