International Airports
| Airport Name | City/Island | IATA Code | ICAO Code |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amílcar Cabral International Airport | Espargos, Sal | SID | GVAC |
| Nelson Mandela International Airport | Praia, Santiago | RAI | GVNP |
| Aristides Pereira International Airport | Rabil, Boa Vista | BVC | GVBA |
| Cesária Évora International Airport | São Vicente | VXE | GVSV |
Domestic Airports
| Airport Name | City/Island | IATA Code | ICAO Code |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maio Airport | Vila do Maio, Maio | MMO | GVMA |
| Preguiça Airport | São Nicolau | SNE | GVSN |
| Agostinho Neto Airport | Ponta do Sol, Santo Antão (Non-operational) | None | None |
Notes:
- Cabo Verde’s four international airports serve flights to Europe, Africa, and the Americas, as well as inter-island connections.
- Domestic airports primarily connect the islands within Cabo Verde.
- Santo Antão’s Agostinho Neto Airport is no longer operational, and transport to this island is typically via ferry.
Cabo Verde Airports: Gateways to West African Island Paradise
Cabo Verde, an archipelago in the Atlantic Ocean, boasts several airports that connect its islands to the world. These airports serve as vital gateways for tourists and locals alike, facilitating travel and commerce.
Cabo Verde has seven major airports, with Amílcar Cabral International Airport on Sal Island being the largest and busiest. This airport, named after a revolutionary leader, serves as the main hub for the national airline, Cabo Verde Airlines. It handles a significant portion of international flights to and from the country.
The airports in Cabo Verde play a crucial role in connecting the islands to each other and to the rest of the world. They range from small domestic airfields to larger international airports, each contributing to the country’s transport infrastructure and tourism industry. As Cabo Verde continues to grow as a tourist destination, its airports are likely to see increased traffic and development in the coming years.
Major Airports and Their Services
Cape Verde boasts four main international airports that serve as vital gateways to the archipelago. These airports offer a range of services and connect the islands to destinations across Europe and Africa.
Amílcar Cabral International Airport
Located on Sal Island, Amílcar Cabral International Airport is the busiest in Cape Verde. It features a 3,000-metre runway, the longest in the country.
The airport is just 6 minutes by car from Espargos town. It handles a large volume of international flights, connecting Sal to major European cities.
Facilities include duty-free shops, restaurants, and car hire services. The airport caters to both leisure and business travellers.
Multiple airlines operate here, including TACV and TUI fly. Passengers can find regular flights to destinations like Lisbon, London, and Paris.
Nelson Mandela International Airport
Situated on Santiago Island, Nelson Mandela International Airport serves the capital city of Praia. It’s a crucial hub for both domestic and international travel.
The airport offers modern amenities such as lounges, shops, and eateries. It handles flights from several European and African countries.
Major airlines like TAP Air Portugal and Royal Air Maroc operate regular services. Travellers can easily reach destinations such as Lisbon, Casablanca, and Amsterdam.
The airport’s proximity to Praia makes it convenient for business travellers and tourists alike.
Cesária Évora International Airport
Cesária Évora International Airport is found on São Vicente Island. It’s named after the famous Cape Verdean singer.
The airport serves as a gateway to the cultural heart of Cape Verde. It handles both domestic and international flights.
Facilities include check-in counters, a departures lounge, and car rental services. The airport connects São Vicente to other Cape Verde islands and European cities.
Airlines like TACV and Binter CV operate regular flights. Passengers can travel to destinations such as Lisbon and Gran Canaria from here.
Aristides Pereira International Airport
Aristides Pereira International Airport is located in Rabil on Boa Vista Island. It’s a key entry point for tourists visiting the island’s beautiful beaches.
The airport handles both charter and scheduled international flights. It offers basic amenities including a café and duty-free shop.
Several European airlines operate seasonal flights to Boa Vista. Popular routes include those from the UK, Germany, and the Netherlands.
The airport’s location provides easy access to Boa Vista’s resorts and attractions. It plays a crucial role in supporting the island’s tourism industry.
Domestic Air Travel and Smaller Airports
Cabo Verde’s smaller airports play a crucial role in connecting the archipelago’s islands. These airports facilitate domestic flights, providing essential transportation for locals and tourists alike.
São Pedro Airport
São Pedro Airport serves São Vicente island. It handles domestic flights within Cape Verde. The airport is located 5 km from Mindelo, the island’s main city.
São Pedro Airport’s runway is 1,975 metres long. This length allows it to accommodate medium-sized aircraft commonly used for inter-island travel.
The terminal building is small but functional. It offers basic amenities such as a café and a small shop.
During peak tourist seasons, São Pedro Airport can get quite busy. Travellers are advised to arrive early for their flights, especially during these periods.
Maio Airport
Maio Airport is situated on Maio island. It primarily serves domestic flights connecting Maio to other Cape Verdean islands.
The airport’s runway is 1,200 metres long. This length is suitable for smaller aircraft typically used in domestic routes.
Maio Airport’s terminal building is compact. It provides essential services for passengers, including check-in counters and a waiting area.
The airport’s location near Vila do Maio, the island’s main town, makes it convenient for travellers. It’s about a 10-minute drive from the town centre.
São Filipe Airport
São Filipe Airport is located on Fogo island. It handles domestic flights, connecting Fogo to other islands in the archipelago.
The airport’s runway is 1,200 metres long. This length accommodates the smaller aircraft used for inter-island travel in Cape Verde.
São Filipe Airport’s terminal is small but efficient. It offers basic facilities for passengers, including a check-in area and a waiting lounge.
The airport is situated close to São Filipe, Fogo’s largest town. This proximity makes it easy for travellers to access their accommodations or explore the island.
Preguiça Airport
Preguiça Airport serves São Nicolau island. It handles domestic flights within the Cape Verde archipelago.
The airport’s runway is 1,400 metres long. This length is suitable for the types of aircraft commonly used in Cape Verde’s domestic air travel.
Preguiça Airport’s terminal building is small and straightforward. It provides essential services for passengers, including check-in facilities and a waiting area.
The airport is located about 4 km from Ribeira Brava, São Nicolau’s main town. This proximity makes it convenient for travellers arriving on or departing from the island.
Frequently Asked Questions
Travellers to Cabo Verde often have questions about airports, flights, and entry requirements. Here are answers to some common queries about air travel to and within the archipelago.
What are the main international airports in Cabo Verde?
Cabo Verde has four international airports connecting the islands to the world. These are located on the islands of Sal, Santiago, Boa Vista, and São Vicente.
The busiest airport is Amílcar Cabral International Airport on Sal Island. It has the longest runway in the country at 3,000 metres.
How do I reach the city centre from the main airport in Praia?
Praia International Airport is located about 3 kilometres from the city centre. Taxis are readily available outside the terminal building.
There is also a shuttle bus service that runs between the airport and various points in the city.
Are there direct flights from the UK to Cabo Verde?
Yes, there are direct flights from the UK to Cabo Verde. These typically land at Amílcar Cabral International Airport on Sal Island.
Several airlines offer seasonal charter flights from various UK airports to Cabo Verde.
What facilities are available at Amílcar Cabral International Airport?
Amílcar Cabral International Airport offers a range of facilities for travellers. These include shops, restaurants, and currency exchange services.
Wi-Fi is available at the airport, allowing passengers to stay connected before their flights.
What are the visa requirements for entering Cabo Verde through its airports?
Most visitors to Cabo Verde need a visa to enter the country. However, the visa process has been simplified in recent years.
Many travellers can now obtain a visa on arrival at Cabo Verde’s international airports. It’s best to check the latest requirements before travel.
How frequently do inter-island flights operate in Cabo Verde?
Inter-island flights in Cabo Verde operate regularly, connecting the main islands. The frequency varies depending on the route and season.
Domestic flights serve smaller islands like São Nicolau, Maio, and Fogo. These flights help tourists explore multiple islands during their visit.
