Rabil Airport

Welcome to Rabil Airport, also known as Aristides Pereira International Airport — the aerial gateway to the sunny island of Boa Vista. This is not merely a transport hub, but a true architectural oasis that immerses you in an atmosphere of serene relaxation from the very first minutes. The unique open-air terminal, constructed from local stone and wood, allows you to feel the warm ocean breeze immediately upon disembarking, turning arrival formalities into a pleasant stroll.

Architectural Uniqueness and Comfort. Rabil Airport stands out for its unusual design, harmoniously integrated into the island's desert landscape. The terminal buildings are finished in terracotta tones resembling traditional structures, while the absence of glazing and roofing in waiting areas provides natural ventilation, making it one of the most eco-friendly airports in the world.

Speed and Convenience. Thanks to the compact size of the terminal, all procedures — from passport control to baggage claim — are completed here surprisingly quickly. Travelers do not have to wander through endless corridors: the path from the aircraft stairs to the city exit takes just a few minutes, allowing you to start your vacation on the white sandy beaches of Boa Vista almost instantly.

For your convenience, we have compiled key contact details for Aristides Pereira International Airport (Rabil, BVC). While we strive to provide accurate information, we recommend checking the currency of data on official resources before your trip.

• Official Website: You can find the latest information on flight schedules, services, and passenger regulations on the unified airport portal of Cape Verde: www.aeroportos.cv.
• Inquiry Service Phone: For consultations and obtaining operational information, you can call: +238 251 90 00.
• Airport Address: Aeroporto Internacional Aristides Pereira, Rabil, island of Boa Vista, Cape Verde.
• Email: For written inquiries, you can use the contact form on the official website or write to the general email address of the management company ASA: info@asa.cv.
• Social Media: News and important announcements are published on the official page of Cape Verde airports on Facebook: facebook.com/aeroportosdecaboverde.
• Lost Luggage Information: If your luggage has been lost or damaged, first contact the Lost & Found counter of your airline at the airport. Airport information service staff can also assist with navigation.
• Passenger Support Contacts: For general questions related to your stay at the airport, please contact the information desk in the terminal or call the main inquiry service number.

Getting to Rabil Airport (BVC), the aerial gateway to the island of Boa Vista, is quite simple as it is located just 5 km south of the main city, Sal Rei. Depending on your budget and preferences, you can choose one of several convenient ways to move around this picturesque island of Cape Verde.

Taxi and Private Transfer — the most popular and comfortable way to reach the airport. Taxis can be found in Sal Rei and near major hotels. The trip from the city center to the airport takes approximately 10-15 minutes. The cost is usually around 10-15 Euros, but it is always better to confirm the price with the driver before starting the trip. Many hotels and tour operators also offer a pre-booked transfer service, which is an excellent option for a hassle-free journey.

"Aluguer" — this is a local analogue of public transport, representing a collective taxi or minibus. It is the most budget-friendly option. "Aluguers" run along main routes, connecting the airport with Sal Rei and other settlements, but they do not have a strict schedule — they depart as they fill up. This is an excellent way to immerse yourself in the local atmosphere if you are traveling light and are not in too much of a hurry.

Car Rental — an ideal choice for those who want to explore the island on their own. Several rental agencies operate at the airport and in Sal Rei. Considering that many interesting places on Boa Vista are located away from paved roads, it is recommended to rent a four-wheel drive vehicle (4x4). It is better to book a car in advance, especially during the high tourist season. This will give you freedom of movement and the opportunity to discover secluded beaches and desert landscapes of the island.

There is a parking lot near the Rabil Airport terminal building. It is convenient for those arriving in a rental car to return it before departure, or for those meeting or seeing off travelers. Both short-term and long-term parking options are available.

Rabil Airport (BVC) on the island of Boa Vista is a compact and charming aviation hub distinguished by a simple and clear structure. It consists of one terminal that serves both domestic and international flights. This saves travelers from the need to move between different buildings and makes orientation on-site as easy as possible.

The main feature of the terminal is its semi-open construction, inspired by local architecture. A significant part of the building is swept by a fresh ocean breeze, creating a relaxed atmosphere and allowing you to immediately feel the flavor of Cape Verde. The airport layout is extremely simple: all key zones — check-in counters, security screening, waiting lounge, boarding gates, and arrival area — are located in one building on one level.

Departure and arrival zones are located in different parts of the terminal but within walking distance of each other. After entering the building, you immediately find yourself at the check-in counters. After completing registration and checking in luggage, passengers proceed to security control, beyond which lies a small but cozy departure lounge with several shops and cafes. Navigation is intuitive thanks to signs and the airport's compact size.

Despite its modest size, during peak hours, when several charter flights are served simultaneously, queues may form at check-in counters and security screening. It is recommended to arrive at the airport in advance, at least 2-3 hours before an international flight departure. This will allow you to calmly go through all formalities, enjoy a coffee, and purchase souvenirs without unnecessary haste.

Overall, navigation at Rabil Airport will not cause any difficulties even for an inexperienced tourist. Thanks to the presence of only one terminal and its logical layout, getting lost here is practically impossible. This makes the airport a convenient and pleasant starting point for a journey across the sunny island of Boa Vista.

The history of Rabil Airport is inextricably linked with the transformation of the island of Boa Vista into one of the main tourism centers of Cape Verde. Initially, it was a small airfield with a dirt runway that served mainly domestic flights between the islands of the archipelago. For a long time, it remained a modest air harbor incapable of receiving large international liners, which hindered the development of tourism on the island.

A turning point in the airport's history was 2007. Due to the active growth of interest in the island from tourists and investors, a decision was made for its radical reconstruction. The runway was paved, extended to 2100 meters, and widened to 45 meters. At the same time, a new passenger terminal meeting international standards was built. These transformations allowed the airport to receive direct charter and scheduled flights from Europe, which became a real breakthrough for the economy of Boa Vista.

Another important event in the airport's history occurred on November 19, 2011. On this day, it was officially renamed Aristides Pereira International Airport (Aeroporto Internacional Aristides Pereira). This was done in honor of the first president of the Republic of Cape Verde, who was a native of the island of Boa Vista. Today, the airport is a modern transport hub and the main gateway to the island, serving hundreds of thousands of travelers from all over the world annually.

Aristides Pereira International Airport (BVC), serving the island of Boa Vista, offers passengers all necessary services for a comfortable start or end to their journey through Cape Verde. Despite its compact dimensions, the terminal is well-equipped and thoughtfully designed for tourist convenience.

While waiting for your flight, you can have a snack at one of the cafes or lounges, which serve beverages, sandwiches, and light refreshments. In the airport shops, you can purchase souvenirs, local specialties, coffee, and handmade items, as well as travel essentials. For those seeking greater comfort, the airport features a VIP lounge offering a secluded atmosphere, snacks, and beverages.

Passengers can utilize free Wi-Fi services to stay in touch with loved ones or check work email. The waiting lounge also has stations for charging mobile devices. For financial operations, the terminal has currency exchange points and ATMs where you can withdraw local Escudos.

Rabil Airport is adapted for travelers with special needs. For passengers with small children, mother and child rooms are provided. Passengers with reduced mobility can request special assistance for moving around the terminal and boarding the aircraft. A medical point operates within the airport territory to provide first aid.

Although there are no hotels directly within the airport building, numerous hotel complexes and apartments are located just a few minutes' drive away in nearby resort zones. Specialized conference rooms and business centers are absent at the airport, however, basic conditions for work can be found in the VIP lounge.

Rabil Airport (BVC) on the island of Boa Vista is a compact tourist airport, and the choice of dining establishments here corresponds to its size. Do not expect a large food court, however, finding a place for a snack or a cup of coffee before departure will not be difficult. The main outlets are located both in the public area and after passing through security control.

Several cafes operate in the airport, offering a standard selection for travelers. Fresh pastries, croissants, or sandwiches are excellent for a quick snack. If you have more time, you can order pizza or panini. While traditional dishes of Cape Verde cuisine are hard to find here, you can try local refreshing beverages. For a full meal, the choice will be modest, so it is better to count on light food.

The main activity is concentrated in the departure zone (airside), after passport control. Here, the choice of establishments is slightly wider than in the general area before check-in. Regarding passengers with special dietary requirements, options for vegetarians, vegans, or people with gluten intolerance are extremely limited. Also, please note that Halal options may be limited, so it is advisable to check with staff. The best solution would be to bring suitable food with you.

Prices in airport establishments are tourist-oriented, meaning they are noticeably higher than in venues outside. The opening hours of cafes and lounges depend directly on the flight schedule: they open before the first flights and work until the departure of the last aircraft, so you will always be able to refresh yourself regardless of your departure time.

When planning a departure from Rabil Airport (BVC) on the island of Boa Vista, arrive in advance — at least 2-3 hours before the departure of an international flight. Although the airport is small, during peak hours, when several charters are served simultaneously, queues for check-in and security control may arise. To save time, use online check-in if your airline provides such an option. The screening procedure is standard, but be prepared for everything to happen in a calm island rhythm.

When packing hand luggage, remember international rules: liquids are allowed in containers up to 100 ml, packed in a transparent bag. Sharp and cutting objects are prohibited. Always check the weight and dimension allowances with your airline. When choosing a seat on the plane, prefer a window seat. Views of the desert landscapes of Boa Vista and the turquoise ocean during takeoff and landing are an unforgettable spectacle and a wonderful start or end to your journey in Cape Verde.

Passengers arriving on the island should remember that customs control usually passes quickly. Keep your passport and boarding pass ready. If you are traveling in transit to other islands of the archipelago, check with the air carrier in advance whether you need to collect and re-check your luggage. Despite the compact size of the airport, it is better to have a clear action plan.

To save a little, take an empty water bottle with you, which can be filled after passing through screening, and light snacks. Prices for food and drinks at the airport can be higher than in the city. In case of a flight delay, leisure opportunities at Rabil Airport are limited to a few cafes and souvenir shops. We recommend having a book, a charged power bank, or pre-downloaded movies with you. During long delays, be sure to contact your airline representative for information on meals or accommodation.