Was on flight to 'Europe's most terrifying runway' but got caught off guard

A passenger recounts flying into Madeira’s Cristiano Ronaldo Airport, often dubbed “Europe’s most terrifying runway” because of its cliffside setting, crosswinds, and unusual approach over the ocean. The runway is also built partly over a bridge, with a sharp curved approach and a steep drop at the end. The airport’s history includes a major accident: in 1977, TAP Flight 425 (a Boeing 727) overran the then-short runway and crashed onto the beach below, killing 131 people. The runway length is now about 9,124 ft after extensions. The author flew easyJet to Madeira, describing the takeoff views as memorable while noting the landing felt less bumpy than expected.