Five Million Passengers in 2025 Highlight a Decade of Growth
Miguel Albuquerque, used the celebration of five million passengers at Madeira Airport to call for new international connections. Speaking at the ceremony, he said that the steady rise in traffic over the past ten years shows how strongly the region has developed as a tourist destination.
He noted that the number of passengers has doubled in that period, with a growth of more than 13% within the previous 12 months. He argued that this trend should guide future planning. According to Albuquerque, the region now needs to turn towards additional long-haul flights to keep pace with demand and maintain its global appeal.
Request to ANA/VINCI to “Try Miami” for a Direct Connection
During his remarks, Albuquerque urged ANA/VINCI Airports to study the feasibility of a direct route to Miami. He said the Regional Government is ready to support the effort.
He also encouraged the airport operator to look more broadly at the potential for regular links to the United States. For Albuquerque, attracting travellers from American cities could diversify current markets and open new economic opportunities for the archipelago.
Doubling Passenger Numbers Strengthens Case for New Markets
The governor pointed to the recent milestone as evidence that Madeira has reached a moment where new strategies are needed. With five million passengers recorded in 2025 and continued interest from international visitors, he argued that the time is right to explore fresh routes.
This, he explained, should not replace existing markets but rather complement them, ensuring that the island remains adaptable. He added that continued cooperation between the authorities and the airport operator will be important for planning future services.
Urgent Call for Expansion of the Porto Santo Airport Terminal
Albuquerque also turned attention to Porto Santo, stressing the need for a quick solution for the airport on the neighbouring island. He underlined that expanding the terminal is a priority, as it would provide better conditions for operations and support the island’s development.
The governor insisted that the project cannot be delayed further, as it would improve both passenger experience and long-term planning. By presenting the two issues together, he framed stronger US connections and local infrastructure improvement as part of the same regional strategy.
Source: Diário de Notícias Madeira
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