Lost and Found Madeira Funchal Airport (FNC)

Have you lost something at Madeira Airport ? Find out how to report a lost item at this Atlantic island gateway.

About Madeira Airport (FNC)

Madeira Airport, officially named Cristiano Ronaldo Madeira International Airport, serves the autonomous Portuguese island of Madeira in the Atlantic Ocean. Located in Santa Cruz, approximately 13 kilometers east of Funchal (Madeira’s capital), the airport is famous for its challenging runway that extends over the ocean on pillars.

As the main gateway to Madeira’s stunning landscapes, levada walks, and year-round mild climate, the airport welcomes tourists and residents from across Europe and beyond. With steady passenger traffic throughout the year, personal items occasionally get left behind, and the airport has Lost and Found services to assist travelers.

What Should You Do If You’ve Lost Something at Madeira Airport ?

Losing an item at Madeira Airport can be particularly stressful since the island’s location means limited options for returning to retrieve items. The airport works with two ground handling companies that provide Lost and Found services to help travelers recover their personal belongings. Whether your item was misplaced at security, in the terminal, or at a café, here’s what you need to know.

Have you lost something in Funchal-Madeira Airport ? From the departures area to arrival halls, personal belongings are left behind regularly.

How to report a lost item in Funchal-Madeira Airport ?

If you’ve misplaced your item somewhere in the airport, the guidance below will help you report your loss to the appropriate service. Madeira Airport works with two ground handling companies, so knowing which one to contact can help speed up the recovery process.

When reporting a lost item, provide detailed information:

• A thorough description of the item (color, brand, model, serial numbers)
• The specific location and time it may have been lost
• Your airline and flight number (this helps determine which handler to contact)
• Your contact information including phone number and email address

You can also complete and send in the Lost Item Report Form on our platform so that our team can assist you in reporting your lost item(s).

Lost something in the airport ?

If you lost your item within the airport facilities (check-in area, security, waiting areas, shops, restaurants, baggage claim), contact one of the airport’s ground handling Lost and Found services.

Groundforce – Lost and Found Service

• Address: Level 0, 9100-105 Santa Cruz, Madeira
• Opening hours: Monday-Sunday 8:30 am to 1:30 am

Portway – Lost and Found Service

• Address: Level 0, 9100-105 Santa Cruz, Madeira
• Opening hours: Monday-Sunday 8:30 am to 9:00 pm

Both services are located on Level 0 of the terminal. If you’re unsure which service to contact, try calling both or ask airport information staff for guidance based on your airline.

Item(s) lost on the plane

If you left something onboard your aircraft, contact your airline directly. The ground handling Lost and Found services manage items found in the terminal, not onboard aircraft. Each airline has dedicated procedures for handling items left on planes.

Do airlines actually look for lost items ?

Yes, airlines typically do search for reported lost items, especially high-value belongings like electronics, jewelry, or important documents. The success rate depends on how quickly you report the loss and how specific your description is. Aircraft cleaning crews are instructed to turn in found items, but the sooner you report it, the better your chances of recovery before the aircraft continues its rotation.

Why are there two Lost and Found services ?

Madeira Airport uses multiple ground handling companies that service different airlines. Groundforce and Portway each handle ground operations for specific airlines, including managing lost property found in their service areas. If you’re unsure which one handled your flight, contact both services or check with your airline.

Common Areas Where Items Are Lost at FNC

Travelers most frequently lose items in these locations:

• Security Screening – Phones, wallets, belts, and small electronics left in trays
• Gate Seating Areas – Chargers, books, and jackets forgotten during boarding
• Baggage Claim – Personal items set down while collecting luggage
• Cafés and Shops – Bags, purchases, or phones left at tables or counters
• Restrooms – Glasses, cosmetics, or small personal items

The airport’s compact size means items are often easier to trace if reported quickly.

What to do if you’ve left something on a plane ?

If you realize you’ve left something on your flight:

1. Contact your airline’s ground staff immediately at the airport
2. Provide your flight number, seat number, and detailed item description
3. Ask for the airline’s local and headquarters lost and found contact information
4. Follow up within 24 hours if you haven’t received a response
5. Keep your boarding pass and any reference numbers provided

Time is essential, as aircraft are quickly cleaned and prepared for the next flight.

Claiming Your Lost Property

If your item is found, the Lost and Found service will contact you using the information from your report. To claim your property:

• Present valid photo identification
• Provide a detailed description to verify ownership
• Have your flight details and report reference available

For travelers who have already left Madeira, courier delivery may be arranged, though international shipping fees can be substantial. Discuss options with the Lost and Found service when your item is located.

Lost Luggage vs. Lost Personal Items

It’s important to understand the difference:

• Checked Baggage Issues – Report to your airline’s baggage services
• Personal Items Lost in Terminal – Report to Groundforce or Portway Lost and Found
• Items Left on Aircraft – Report to your airline directly

Each type of loss has a different reporting procedure and responsible party.

Travel Tips for Madeira Visitors

Since Madeira is an island destination:

• Report losses before leaving the airport if at all possible
• Keep contact information for both Lost and Found services
• Consider travel insurance that covers lost personal items
• Document your valuables with photos and serial numbers
• If staying in Madeira, follow up in person if items are found

The island’s remote location makes recovering items after departure more challenging and expensive.

If you have lost one or several item(s), you will find information on how to contact a lost and found property service on this page.
 

Contact information following the loss of an item

Name : Groundforce or Portway - Lost and Found Service
Address : Level 0
9100-105
Santa Cruz, Madeira

Phone number : +351 291 520 840 or +351 291 520 928
Opening hours : Groundforce : Monday-sunday 8:30 am to 1:30 am
Portway : Monday-sunday 8:30 am to 9:00 pm

Website : https://www.ana.pt/pt/fnc/guia-do-passageiro/bagagem/problemas-com-a-bagagem

List of the main items found

• Lost Personal Items : Keys, ID, Passport, Wallet, Documents, Badge, Licence (...)
• Lost Electronics : Phone, Tablet, Device charger, Camera, Laptop, Headphones (...)
• Lost Accessories : Purse, Bag, Backpack, Sunglasses, Eyeglasses, Jewellery (...)
• Lost Clothing : Gloves, Cap, Hat, Scarf, Sweater, Coat, Vest (...)

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