Amílcar Cabral International Airport (SID)
Espargos, CV 🇨🇻 Large International Airport Scheduled Service
ICAO
GVAC
IATA
SID
Elevation
177 ft
Region
CV-B
Local Time
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GPS Code: GVAC
Local Code: Not available
Location: 16.7414° N, -22.9494° E
Continent: Africa
Type: Large International Airport
Keywords: Sal Island
What Travelers Say
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Online Reviews Summary
Amílcar Cabral International Airport (GVAC (SID)) in Espargos, CV, generally receives a mixed but often positive sentiment from travelers, particularly for its efficiency given its size. Many appreciate the quick transit through the airport, though some recent experiences highlight areas for improvement, particularly regarding staffing and amenities.
What Travelers Love
- Efficient Immigration and Customs: Inbound passport control can be very fast, with some travelers reporting getting from plane to taxi in under 5 minutes, especially if visas are pre-arranged.
- Cleanliness: The terminal and toilets are generally described as clean and well-maintained.
- Welcoming Atmosphere: Some travelers find the airport to have an "old fashion look" in a positive, welcoming way.
- Proximity to Tourist Areas: The airport is conveniently located, just 20 minutes from Sal's main tourist resorts like Santa Maria.
- Good Transportation Options: Taxis and private transfers are readily available and often praised for being punctual, friendly, and efficient, offering fixed fares and meet-and-greet services.
Common Complaints
- Slow Check-in and Staff: Several reviews mention extremely slow staff and long waits for check-in, even when only one plane is at the airport.
- Limited Facilities and Amenities: The airport is described as small with limited food and retail services. While there are two restaurants and a bar, options are not extensive.
- Intensive Security Process: Despite a small number of security lines, the security check can be quite intensive and time-consuming, with some reports of rude staff handling luggage disrespectfully.
- Outdated Infrastructure (with ongoing renovations): While some areas have been modernized, certain facilities are considered outdated, though renovations are reportedly underway.
- Insufficient Seating: There can be a lack of sufficient seating in the departure lounge if multiple planes are scheduled.
Overall, Amílcar Cabral International Airport is considered a functional and generally efficient airport for its size, serving as a vital gateway to Cape Verde. While it offers quick immigration and a clean environment, travelers should be prepared for potentially slow check-in and security processes, as well as limited dining and shopping choices, reflecting its smaller scale and ongoing development.
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Airport Routes
Amílcar Cabral International Airport (SID) offers 61 flight routes operated by 10 airlines. Major carriers include TACV, TUI Airways, easyJet and others. Popular destinations from Espargos include General Humberto Delgado Airport, Leonardo da Vinci Int'l (Fiumicino Int'l), Warsaw Frederic Chopin, Barcelona Int'l and Orio al Serio Int'l.
Route Network Map
Top Routes (by observations)
- General Humberto Delgado Airport (LIS) 4
- Leonardo da Vinci Int'l (Fiumicino Int'l) (FCO) 2
- Warsaw Frederic Chopin (WAW) 2
- Barcelona Int'l (BCN) 2
- Orio al Serio Int'l (BGY) 2
- Porto / Oporto (OPO) 2
- Praia Int'l (RAI) 2
- Manchester (MAN) 2
- Sao Pedro (VXE) 2
- London Gatwick (LGW) 2
- Malpensa Int'l (MXP) 2
- Hanover/Langenhagen Int'l (HAJ) 1
Newly Discovered
- Sao Pedro (VXE) new
- Preguica (SNE) new
- Zurich (Kloten) (ZRH) new
- General Humberto Delgado Airport (LIS) new
- Viracopos Int'l (VCP) new
- Praia Int'l (RAI) new
- Porto / Oporto (OPO) new
- Manchester (MAN) new
- London Gatwick (LGW) new
- Orio al Serio Int'l (BGY) new
- Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS) new
- Bristol Int'l (BRS) new
Popular Flight Routes
| Destination | IATA | City | Aircraft Type | Airline | Details | Route Map |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
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Top Airlines
Operating at Amílcar Cabral International AirportAirlines by Flight Activity
Based on observed flight operations and route network| Airline | Routes | Flights | Destinations | Last Activity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
TACV
TCV
/ VR
|
9 | 306 | 9 | Jan 21, 2026 |
TUI Airways
TOM
/ BY
|
6 | 100 | 6 | Jan 21, 2026 |
easyJet
EZY
/ U2
|
5 | 81 | 5 | Jan 21, 2026 |
TAP Air Portugal
TAP
/ TP
|
1 | 65 | 1 | Jan 21, 2026 |
|
LAN Cargo
LCO
/ UC
|
2 | 58 | 2 | Jan 21, 2026 |
TuiFly
TUI
/ X3
|
5 | 54 | 5 | Jan 10, 2026 |
Transavia France
TVF
/ TO
|
4 | 50 | 4 | Jan 10, 2026 |
|
TUI Airlines
TFL
/ OR
|
2 | 32 | 2 | Jan 21, 2026 |
Neos
NOS
/ NO
|
4 | 31 | 4 | Jan 21, 2026 |
Smartwings
TVS
/ QS
|
1 | 23 | 1 | Oct 10, 2025 |
For Pilots
| Designation | Length | Width | Surface | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
01/19 |
9843 ft | 148 ft | ASP | Active Lighted |
07/25 |
4921 ft | 148 ft | ASP | Closed |
| Type | Description | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| A/G | A/G | 345.2 MHz |
| APP | SAL APP - (V) | 126.4 MHz |
| AWOS | - | 127.6 MHz |
| TWR | TWR | 119.7 MHz |
Ground Transportation
Taxis
Taxis are readily available 24/7 outside the arrivals terminal. Fares to major destinations like Santa Maria are typically fixed, so it is highly recommended to agree on the price with the driver before starting your journey. A trip to Santa Maria usually costs around €10-€15.
Rental Cars
Several car rental agencies, including international and local companies, have desks inside the arrivals hall. Renting a car offers flexibility for exploring the island of Sal at your own pace. It is advisable to book in advance, especially during peak tourist season.
Public Transportation
There are no formal public bus or train services from the airport. The primary form of public transit is the 'aluguer,' which are shared minibuses or pick-up trucks. This is the most economical option, but it is less convenient for travelers with luggage as they do not run on a fixed schedule and may require a short walk to the main road to be flagged down.