Strong Winds Disrupt Madeira Flights: Multiple Diversions and Delays Amid Weather Alert
January 18, 2026
Strong winds and adverse weather in Madeira have caused multiple flight diversions and holds, with at least one TAP Portugal flight diverted back to Lisbon and several aircraft waiting for a weather window before landing.
A TAP flight from Lisbon to Madeira and a Porto-origin TAP flight both experienced landing attempts that were aborted or diverted as conditions remained unsettled, though there were moments of improvement allowing some landings.
Warnings of wind and marine agitation were reinforced by the Funchal Port Authority, underscoring heightened caution for maritime and aviation operations.
Forecasts raised the tempo of weather degradation, activating a yellow weather alert from Friday evening through Sunday.
A Ryanair flight from Porto managed a successful landing shortly after delays, signaling partial weather improvement.
The same TAP aircraft that had earlier diverted managed a second landing attempt and landed, indicating a brief window of improved conditions.
Today’s schedule includes an additional 35 flights to Madeira, as operators monitor evolving weather for departure and arrival windows.
Other flights remain queued or delayed in the approach to Funchal, including TAP TP1687 from Lisbon, EasyJet EJU5333 from Berlin, and Transavia HV6627 from Amsterdam.
TAP flights from Porto experienced an aborted landing and subsequent takeoff after the first attempt, while TP1709 conducted turns awaiting further orders.
An Iberport TAP aircraft from Porto succeeded in landing in Funchal, marking a temporary improvement in conditions for air operations.
A TUI Fly flight scheduled for 07:30 could not land in Funchal due to the region’s strong winds, per ANA—the national airport authority.
ANA Aeroportos confirmed the diversions and ongoing flight holds as companies wait for a safe window to land in Funchal.
Summary based on 3 sources