Nelson Mandela International Airport

Nelson Mandela International Airport is not merely a transport hub, but a true gateway to the heart of the Cape Verde archipelago. Located on Santiago Island, this modern air harbour welcomes travellers with an "African-Caribbean" atmosphere and serves as a starting point for exploring the country's colonial architecture and musical traditions. Named after the legendary freedom fighter, the airport successfully combines compactness with functionality, offering guests a comfortable start to their island adventure.

The airport features a convenient location just a few kilometres from the nation's capital, the city of Praia, allowing tourists to reach the centre in literally 10–15 minutes. The terminal was opened in 2005, replacing the old airfield, and has since undergone major modernisation to enhance comfort and safety levels. Today, it is a key hub for domestic flights: it is the most convenient point from which to depart for other islands of the archipelago, such as Sal or São Vicente.

Inside the passenger terminal building, travellers will find everything necessary while waiting for their flight. The infrastructure includes Duty Free shopping zones with local souvenirs and beverages, cafés, currency exchange points, and ATMs. For passengers who value enhanced comfort, a VIP lounge is available. A distinct feature of the airport is its friendly atmosphere and relatively simple navigation, making the completion of all pre-flight formalities quick and untiring.

For your convenience, we have compiled the essential contact information for Nelson Mandela International Airport (RAI) in the city of Praia. We recommend verifying the accuracy of the data on official resources before your trip.

• Official Website: You can find up-to-date schedules, news, and passenger regulations on the website of the Cape Verde airport operator, ASA. Website: www.asa.cv
• Information Service Phone: For immediate information regarding flights, airport services, and other inquiries, you may call: +238 260 81 00.
• Airport Address: Aeroporto Internacional Nelson Mandela, Achada Grande Frente, Praia, Santiago Island, Cape Verde.
• Email: For written inquiries, you may use the general email address of the operator ASA: asa@asa.cv.
• Social Media: Follow airport news on the official ASA Facebook page.
• Lost Luggage Information: In case of lost or damaged luggage, you should first contact your airline's representative at the airport. You may also contact the Lost and Found service; contact details are available at the information desk.
• Passenger Support Service: For general questions related to your stay at the airport, you may contact the main information service number or speak to staff at the information desks within the terminal.

Nelson Mandela International Airport (RAI) is located just a few kilometres from the centre of Praia, the capital of Cape Verde, making the journey there quick and convenient. There are several ways to get from the city to the airport, suitable for any budget and preference.

Taxi and Private Transfer. This is the simplest and most comfortable method. A taxi ride from the centre of Praia to the airport typically takes 10–15 minutes. Official taxis are generally beige in colour. It is strongly recommended to agree on the fare with the driver in advance or ensure the taximeter is switched on to avoid inflated prices. The cost of the trip is moderate. You can also pre-book a private transfer to pick you up at your hotel — this is slightly more expensive but eliminates any hassle.

Public Transport. For a more budget-friendly journey, you can use local modes of transport. City buses (autocarros) and route taxis, known as "aluguer", operate in Praia. "Aluguers" are minibuses that depart as they fill up and follow specific routes. This is a very cheap option, but it may not be the most convenient if you have a lot of luggage, and the journey will take more time. Bus stops may also be located at some distance from the terminal.

Car Rental and Parking. If you are travelling around the island in a rented car, you can easily reach the airport on your own. The road from the city centre is well-marked with signs. Most rental agencies have offices at the airport, allowing you to return the car right before your flight. For those arriving in their own or rented vehicles, paid parking is provided at the airport, suitable for both short-term and long-term stays.

Nelson Mandela International Airport in the city of Praia represents a modern and compact aviation hub. Its structure is simple and convenient for passengers, making navigation intuitively clear even for those visiting for the first time. The airport consists of one passenger terminal, which serves both international and domestic flights.

The terminal layout is logical: the building is divided into two main zones — Arrivals and Departures. Since there is only one terminal, transfers between zones are not required. On the ground floor, you will find check-in counters, the arrivals area with baggage claim belts, and customs control. Airline representatives and car rental desks are also located here. The first floor is dedicated to the departure zone, where, after passing passport control and security screening, passengers enter the waiting lounge with boarding gates, Duty Free shops, and small cafés.

The time required to complete all formalities is generally short compared to major global hubs. However, to avoid rushing, it is recommended to arrive 2.5–3 hours before departure for international flights, and 1.5–2 hours for domestic flights. The check-in and screening process usually takes between 30 to 60 minutes but may increase during peak hours or at the height of the tourist season.

For convenient navigation through the airport, follow the signs in Portuguese and English. Airport staff are generally helpful and ready to assist. Thanks to the compact dimensions of the terminal, it is virtually impossible to get lost here, and the path from the entrance to the boarding gate takes minimal time, allowing travellers to begin their acquaintance with Cape Verde without unnecessary stress.

The history of Nelson Mandela International Airport is relatively short but highly significant for the country's development. The airport was opened in October 2005, replacing the old Francisco Mendes Airport. The former air harbour was located too close to the city centre, which created certain risks and limited opportunities for expansion. The construction of the new, more modern terminal complex was a key step in modernising the transport infrastructure of Cape Verde.

Initially, the airport bore the name "Praia International Airport". However, in January 2012, it was officially renamed in honour of the prominent freedom fighter and former President of South Africa, Nelson Mandela. This gesture was a tribute to his legacy and highlighted Cape Verde's close ties with the African continent.

The main stage of development was the construction of the new complex itself. Unlike the old airport with its short runway, the new harbour received a runway 2,100 metres long, capable of accommodating larger long-haul aircraft. This allowed for the establishment of direct air links with Europe, South and North America, giving a powerful boost to the development of tourism and the economy not only in Praia but across the entire island of Santiago.

An interesting fact: the old Francisco Mendes Airport was considered one of the most difficult for pilots due to its location and short runway, requiring the highest level of skill. The new airport not only solved this problem but quickly became the country's main hub, connecting the capital with other islands of the archipelago and the rest of the world. Since its opening, it has been continuously modernised to serve the growing passenger traffic, remaining the vital gateway to Cape Verde.

Nelson Mandela International Airport (RAI) offers passengers all the necessary amenities for a comfortable wait for their flight. Despite its relatively small size, the airport is well-equipped and ready to satisfy the basic needs of travellers.

Within the terminal, you will find several cafés and lounges where you can have a snack, drink coffee, or enjoy refreshing beverages. For those wishing to shop, a Duty-Free store is available, offering a standard range of perfumes, beverages, and tobacco products, as well as souvenir stalls where you can purchase memorable gifts with Cape Verdean symbols.

For passengers preferring enhanced comfort, the airport features a VIP lounge. Here, you can relax in a quiet atmosphere and enjoy complimentary snacks and beverages. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal, and charging stations for electronic devices are installed in the waiting areas.

The airport operates ATMs and currency exchange points, making it easy to handle financial matters upon arrival or before departure. For emergency assistance, there is a medical point ready to attend to passengers if necessary.

Travellers with children can use the mother and child room for infant care. Passengers with reduced mobility are provided with all necessary assistance. It is recommended to notify your airline in advance of the need for special services to organise timely accompaniment.

Although there are no hotels directly within the airport building, several hotels and guest houses are located in the immediate vicinity. There are no specialised conference halls in the airport, but basic business services, such as internet access and quiet zones for work, can be found in the VIP lounge.

Nelson Mandela International Airport (RAI) in Praia offers passengers several options for a snack or a full meal before departure. While the choice of establishments here is not as vast as in major metropolises, you certainly won't go hungry. The main dining points are located both in the public area before security control (landside) and in the departure zone (airside).

In the main airport hall, accessible to all visitors, a restaurant and several cafés typically operate. Here you can have a leisurely lunch or drink coffee while seeing off friends or waiting for check-in. After passing passport control and screening in the departure zone (airside), there is also at least one café where you can buy beverages, sandwiches, and light snacks immediately before boarding your flight.

If you wish to try something from the local cuisine, pay attention to the offers in the main restaurant. Sometimes you can find simple but hearty dishes here, for example, grilled fish with fresh vegetables or chicken. In the café, you might look for local pastries or drink a cup of the famous coffee from Fogo Island. This is an excellent opportunity to enjoy the final touches of Cape Verdean gastronomy before flying out.

For a quick snack, the cafés offering sandwiches, pastries (such as the Portuguese custard tarts "pastel de nata"), salads, and beverages are ideal. If you have time for a full lunch, it is best to settle in the restaurant in the public zone. Regarding special dietary needs, the selection may be limited. Vegetarians can usually find simple salads or sandwiches with cheese and vegetables. People with stricter restrictions (vegan, gluten-free, or Halal requirements) are advised to clarify the ingredients of dishes with staff or carry necessary snacks with them.

Prices at the airport are generally higher than in the city but remain within reasonable limits. A cup of coffee or a sandwich will cost a few euros. The main dining establishments operate in accordance with the flight schedule, opening early in the morning and closing after the departure of the last aircraft, so you will always be able to find an open café, even if you have a night flight.

When planning a departure from Nelson Mandela International Airport in the city of Praia, try to arrive in advance. For international flights, it is recommended to allow at least 2–3 hours before departure. Although the airport is not considered giant, queues may form during peak season or when checking in multiple flights simultaneously. To save time, use the online check-in service if your airline provides it. This will allow you to head straight to baggage drop or, if you are travelling light, to the security screening area.

Passing security control at Praia airport complies with international standards. Remember the rules for carrying liquids in hand luggage: they must all be in containers of no more than 100 ml and packed in a single transparent resealable bag. Remove laptops and other large electronics from your bag in advance. Ensure there are no prohibited items in your hand luggage, such as knives, scissors, and other sharp objects, to avoid delays and unpleasant surprises.

When choosing a seat on a plane departing from Cape Verde, give preference to a window seat. The archipelago is famous for its scenic views, and during takeoff or landing in clear weather, stunning panoramas of the ocean and islands may open up to you. If you are flying in transit through Praia, clarify at check-in whether you will need to collect your luggage. Usually, for transfers to international flights, luggage is checked through to the final destination. Follow the "Transit/Transfers" signs to quickly find your boarding gate.

Upon arrival in the country, all passengers undergo passport and customs control. Have your passport, boarding pass, and, if necessary, visa or hotel booking confirmation ready. Customs regulations are generally standard, but if you are carrying something subject to declaration, it is better to inform the customs officer. This will help avoid unnecessary questions and speed up the control process.

To save money at the airport, bring an empty reusable water bottle, which can be filled after passing security screening. Prices for food and beverages in the terminal can be inflated, so a light snack brought from home will also come in handy. Regarding currency exchange, the rate at the airport is usually less favourable than in the city. It is recommended to exchange only a small amount for initial expenses, and the main part at one of the banks or exchange bureaus in Praia.

In case of a flight delay or cancellation, first contact your airline representative. Depending on the length of the wait, you may be provided with vouchers for meals, beverages, or even hotel accommodation. Remain calm and clarify your rights. Having travel insurance that covers such cases can significantly simplify the situation. Keep your gadgets charged to stay in touch and track up-to-date information about your flight.