São Tomé International Airport (TMS)
São Tomé, ST 🇸🇹 Medium Airport Scheduled Service
ICAO
FPST
IATA
TMS
Elevation
33 ft
Region
ST-01
Local Time
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GPS Code: FPST
Local Code: Not available
Location: 0.378175° N, 6.71215° E
Continent: Africa
Type: Medium Airport
What Travelers Say
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Online Reviews Summary
São Tomé International Airport (TMS) elicits a mixed but generally sympathetic response from recent travelers. While many appreciate its quaint, small-scale charm and the warmth of its staff, the airport's facilities and operational efficiency often fall short of modern international standards. Travelers frequently describe the experience as a step back in time, requiring patience and adaptability.
What Travelers Love
- Friendly and Approachable Staff: Numerous reviews highlight the sympathetic and friendly staff who often greet visitors with a smile, contributing positively to the overall atmosphere.
- Charming, Small-Scale Experience: The airport's compact size is often seen as part of its unique character, offering a "quaint" and "charming" experience that contrasts with larger, more modern hubs.
- Free Wi-Fi: The availability of free Wi-Fi is a noted positive, allowing travelers to stay connected.
- Convenient Location: The airport is situated approximately 5 kilometers from the capital city, São Tomé, making for a quick and convenient drive to accommodations.
- Easy Visa-on-Arrival (for eligible nationalities): Some travelers reported a very easy visa-on-arrival process for short stays, simplifying entry.
Common Complaints
- Outdated and Basic Facilities: The terminal facilities are described as basic, not modern, and in need of improvement, with some comparing them unfavorably to a western railway station.
- Cleanliness Issues: Toilets, in particular, frequently receive criticism for lacking cleanliness.
- Slow Security and Immigration: While generally manageable, the passport control and entry procedures are often slow, with travelers advising to prepare for longer processing times. Some attribute this to manual procedures and a lack of modern technology.
- Limited Food and Retail Services: Beyond a small souvenir shop and a bar/snack counter, food options are limited, with coffee shops sometimes closed.
- Occasional Wi-Fi Issues: Despite being available, some travelers reported Wi-Fi not working reliably before departure.
- Short Runway and Abrupt Landings: The short runway is occasionally mentioned, with some experiencing abrupt landings, though skilled pilots manage it deftly.
São Tomé International Airport offers a distinctive travel experience, characterized by its intimate size and the genuine friendliness of its staff. While travelers should arrive prepared for slower processes and more basic amenities compared to larger international airports, many find its charm and the beautiful scenery a worthwhile trade-off for experiencing this unique island nation.
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Airport Routes
São Tomé International Airport (TMS) offers 9 flight routes operated by 5 airlines. Major carriers include STP Airways, Afrijet, TAP Air Portugal and others. Popular destinations from São Tomé include Leon M'Ba Int'l, Principe, General Humberto Delgado Airport, Kotoka Int'l and Dr. Antonio Agostinho Neto International Airport.
Route Network Map
Top Routes (by observations)
Newly Discovered
Popular Flight Routes
| Destination | IATA | City | Aircraft Type | Airline | Details | Route Map |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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Top Airlines
Operating at São Tomé International AirportAirlines by Flight Activity
Based on observed flight operations and route network| Airline | Routes | Flights | Destinations | Last Activity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
STP Airways
STP
/ 8F
|
2 | 109 | 2 | Jan 31, 2026 |
|
Afrijet
ABS
/ J7
|
2 | 99 | 2 | Jan 28, 2026 |
TAP Air Portugal
TAP
/ TP
|
2 | 36 | 2 | Jan 31, 2026 |
|
TAAG Angola Airlines
DTA
/ DT
|
2 | 27 | 2 | Jan 28, 2026 |
|
ASKY Airlines
SKK
/ KP
|
1 | 24 | 1 | Jan 23, 2026 |
For Pilots
| Designation | Length | Width | Surface | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
11/29 |
7283 ft | 148 ft | ASP | Active |
| Type | Description | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| TWR | TWR | 118.9 MHz |
Ground Transportation
Taxis
Taxis are readily available outside the arrivals terminal. There are no meters, so it is essential to negotiate and agree on the fare with the driver before starting your journey. A trip to the city center of São Tomé typically costs around 150,000-200,000 Dobras (approx. €6-€8). Payment is usually made in cash.
Rental Cars
Several local car rental agencies operate at the airport, often with representatives meeting pre-booked customers in the arrivals hall. It is highly recommended to reserve a car in advance, especially during peak season. A 4x4 vehicle is advisable for exploring roads outside the main city. An International Driving Permit is often required.
Public Transportation
There is no formal, scheduled public bus service directly from the airport terminal. The most common form of public transit are shared taxis or minibuses (known as 'yé-yé') which can be flagged down on the main road near the airport. This is a very inexpensive but less convenient option, especially for travelers with luggage, as they are often crowded and do not follow a fixed schedule.