Madeira’s Population Set to Drop Over 50% by 2100
Madeira’s population is projected to decline sharply this century. Scenarios indicate a drop of over 50% by 2100, driven by aging, low fertility, and migration patterns.
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Madeira Tunnels Soon Have Full 5G Mobile Coverage
MEO has announced full 5G and mobile coverage in Madeira’s main highway tunnels, after investing €3.5 million over five years to expand digital connectivity.
30 Madeiran Soldiers to Join NATO Mission in Romania
Thirty Portuguese soldiers from Madeira will return to Romania in 2026, joining NATO allies to strengthen the alliance’s eastern flank close to Russia’s border regions.
Invasive Plants Threaten Laurissilva’s World Heritage Status
Madeira’s Laurissilva forest faces a growing threat as invasive plants spread rapidly, endangering native species and the UNESCO World Heritage classification.
PLAY Airlines Ceases Operations, Direct Route to Madeira Stopped
PLAY Airlines shut down on September 29, 2025, cancelling every flight, including Madeira’s weekly Iceland link, blaming financial issues, falling ticket demand and unresolved labor conflicts.
Land Prices Around Ponta do Pargo Golf Course Doubled
After construction restarted in 2023, land around Ponta do Pargo’s golf course doubled in price, attracting more foreign investors to the island.
VR1: Container Falls From Truck and Crashes Into Opposite Lane
A massive container broke free from a truck and crashed onto the opposite lane between Funchal and Santa Cruz. Fortunately, there were no injuries.
Bank Robbery in Câmara de Lobos: Court Confirms Sentence
The Supreme Court confirmed a six-year prison term for Câmara de Lobos bank robber, rejecting his appeal for a lighter sentence after stealing €215,000 from Caixa Geral de Depósitos.
Vandalism: Security Gate Torn Down on PR1
Early this morning, the IFCN discovered that the security gate blocking the PR1 Vereda do Areeiro trail had been torn down, forcing a temporary closure for safety.
Government Accused of Favoring Companies at Praia Formosa
PSD-Madeira faces criticism over luxury building plans at Praia Formosa. The party is accused of prioritizing business interests over local residents and reducing public access to one of Funchal’s last free seaside areas.
Rethinking Travel: Madeira’s Vision for City Mobility
Cable cars for Funchal residents? Smarter traffic systems? A modernized bus fleet? Politicians across the spectrum are sharing ideas to reduce car dependence and tackle Madeira’s traffic problems.
