Nelson Mandela International Airport
Praia, Cape Verde
Nelson Mandela International Airport
Cape Verde's main international gateway on Santiago Island.
- ›Named after South African leader Nelson Mandela.
- ›Serves as the busiest airport in the Cape Verde archipelago by passenger volume.
- ›Located on Santiago Island, the largest island of Cape Verde.
- ›IATA code RAI reflects the airport's former name, Rabel International Airport.
- ›Supports both international and inter-island domestic connections.
Nelson Mandela International Airport, formerly known as Francisco Mendes Airport, serves as the principal international gateway of Cape Verde, located on the island of Santiago near the capital city of Praia. Renamed in honor of the iconic South African leader, it reflects the strong ties between Cape Verde and the broader African community. The airport handles the majority of international traffic to Cape Verde, connecting the archipelago with Europe, Africa, and the Americas.
- Main Terminal — A single integrated terminal handling both domestic and international departures and arrivals, with modest but functional facilities.
- Taxis available at the dedicated rank outside the arrivals hall
- Pre-booked private transfers and shuttle services to Praia city center
- Car rental desks inside the terminal from local and international agencies
- Public minibus (hiace) routes connecting the airport vicinity to Praia
- Pestana Tropico
- Hotel Perola
- Oásis Atlântico Praiamar
- Hotel Felicidade
- VIP Praia Hotel
The terminal offers a small selection of cafés and snack bars serving local Cabo Verdean staples such as cachupa alongside sandwiches and beverages. Options are limited airside, so travelers are advised to eat before arriving at the airport. The city of Praia, a short drive away, offers a broader range of restaurants serving fresh seafood and local cuisine.
- Carry local currency (Cape Verdean Escudo) as not all taxis accept cards or euros.
- Agree on a fare with your taxi driver before departing the airport to avoid confusion.
- Arrive early for international flights as security and check-in queues can be slow during peak seasons.
- The airport is small — facilities are basic, so stock up on snacks or reading material before your journey.
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Nelson Mandela International Airport, also known as Praia International Airport, is an international airport of Santiago Island in Cape Verde. It was opened in October 2005, replacing the old Francisco Mendes International Airport. It is located about 3 km (1.9 mi) northeast of the city centre of Praia in the southeastern part of the island of Santiago.
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