Madeira Airport (FNC) is one of Europe’s most weather-dependent airports. Strong crosswinds occasionally cause delays, cancellations or diversions to nearby airports such as Porto Santo or Tenerife.
If your flight is cancelled, don’t panic. This guide explains your rights, what to do at the airport and how to request reimbursement for additional expenses.
Wind Is an “Extraordinary Circumstance”
Under EU Regulation (EC) No. 261/2004, severe weather is considered an extraordinary circumstance.
This means the airline:
Must provide meals, hotel accommodation (if needed), transport between the airport and hotel, and either rebook you on the next available flight or refund your ticket.
Does not have to pay additional EU261 compensation, as the cancellation was caused by weather rather than the airline. Passenger care obligations still apply.
Step 1 — Go to the Airline Desk
Don’t leave the airport immediately.
Go to your airline’s desk (or its handling agent, such as Portway or Groundforce).
Ask for:
- meal vouchers;
- hotel accommodation (if your replacement flight departs the next day);
- transport between the airport and hotel.
Also, ask for written confirmation that the cancellation was caused by weather conditions.
This document may be useful if you later need to:
- make a travel insurance claim;
- explain the delay to your employer;
- prove the reason for the cancellation if any dispute arises later.
No Staff or No Hotel Available?
If no airline representative is available or you’re told there are no hotel rooms left:
- book reasonable accommodation yourself;
- buy food if necessary;
- keep every receipt.
If you have a Portuguese NIF, ask for it to be included on the invoice.
The airline is generally required to reimburse reasonable expenses incurred while fulfilling its duty of care.
Step 2 — Choose One Option
After a cancellation, you normally have two choices:
Booked Through Booking, Kiwi or Expedia?
If you want a refund for your unused ticket, you may need to contact the company you booked through, depending on how your reservation was made.
However, if your flight has just been cancelled at the airport, always go to the airline’s desk first.
The operating airline—not the booking website—is responsible for providing meals, accommodation and transport while you wait for your replacement flight.
Airline Doesn’t Reply?
Always submit your claim to the airline first.
If you don’t receive a reply within 6 weeks, or the reply is unsatisfactory, you can submit a complaint to ANAC (Portuguese Civil Aviation Authority).
Prepare:
- booking reference (PNR);
- boarding passes or e-ticket;
- receipts for additional expenses;
- copies or screenshots of your communication with the airline;
- completed EU Passenger Complaint Form.
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Email
Subject: Flight Cancellation Complaint – EU261
Dear ANAC,
I would like to submit a complaint regarding my cancelled flight with [Airline] on [Date].
I contacted the airline directly but have not received a satisfactory response.
Please find attached my booking reference, travel documents, receipts, correspondence with the airline and the completed EU Passenger Complaint Form.
Kind regards,
[Your Name]
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Useful Links
- Passenger Rights – Gov.pt
- ANAC – How to Submit a Complaint
- TAP Air Portugal Support
- easyJet Flight Disruptions & Help
- Ryanair Help Centre
Sources
- EU Regulation (EC) No. 261/2004
- Government of Portugal – Passenger Rights
- ANAC – Passenger Rights & Complaints
Share Your Experience
Has your flight ever been cancelled because of the weather in Madeira?
- Which airline were you flying with?
- Did they provide a hotel and meals?
- How long did it take to receive reimbursement?
Your experience may help other travellers prepare for a similar situation.