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Cape Verde's main international gateway on Santiago Island.
Opened
1948
Location
Praia, Cape Verde
Nelson Mandela International Airport, officially known as Praia International Airport, serves as the primary airport of Cape Verde and is located near the capital city of Praia on the island of Santiago. It handles the majority of the archipelago's international traffic, connecting Cape Verde to destinations in Europe, Africa, and the Americas.
The airport was renamed in honor of South African anti-apartheid leader Nelson Mandela, reflecting the close historical ties between Cape Verde and the broader African liberation movement. It operates as the main hub for TACV Cabo Verde Airlines and handles significant volumes of both scheduled and charter flights.
The facility has undergone modernization efforts to accommodate growing passenger numbers, and it plays a crucial economic role in supporting Cape Verde's tourism and diaspora travel sectors.
Terminals
The airport operates with a single passenger terminal handling both domestic and international flights.
Getting to & from
Taxis and shared aluguer minibuses provide the primary ground transport links between the airport and Praia city center, located approximately 2 kilometers away.
Airlines here
TACV Cabo Verde Airlines uses the airport as its main hub, with additional service from TAP Air Portugal, Binter Canarias, and several European charter operators.
Notable facts
- ›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.
This profile is provided for general information only. Details may be inaccurate or outdated — always verify with the airport's official website before acting on them.
