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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Airport Information

GPS Code: GVAC

Local Code: Not available

Location: 16.7414° N, -22.9494° E

Continent: AF

Type: Large International Airport

Keywords: Sal Island

Nearby Points of Interest

What Travelers Say

AI-Generated Summary Based on web research

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  • Outdated Infrastructure (with ongoing renovations): While some areas have been modernized, certain facilities are considered outdated, though renovations are reportedly underway.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.

Generated False weeks ago
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This summary is automatically generated by AI based on web research of traveler reviews and experiences. AI-generated content may not always be 100% accurate.

Current Weather Conditions

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Airport Routes

Popular Flight Routes
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Destination IATA City Aircraft Type Airline Details Route Map
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Top Airlines

Operating at Amílcar Cabral International Airport
Airlines by Flight Activity
Based on observed flight operations and route network
Airline Routes Flights Destinations Last Activity
TACV
TCV / VR
9 298 9 Dec 11, 2025
TUI Airways
TOM / BY
6 78 6 Nov 10, 2025
easyJet
EZY / U2
3 74 3 Nov 10, 2025
1 64 1 Oct 11, 2025
LAN Cargo
LCO / UC
2 57 2 Oct 11, 2025
TuiFly
TUI / X3
5 53 5 Nov 10, 2025
3 48 3 Nov 10, 2025
Neos
NOS / NO
4 30 4 Oct 9, 2025
2 30 2 Nov 10, 2025
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

Ident Name Type Frequency
CVS Sal VOR-DME 115300 kHz
SAL Sal NDB 274 kHz

Ground Transportation

Last updated: Nov 21, 2025
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.

Nearby Airports

Rabil Airport
BVC • GVBA
Rabil, CV
Medium Airport Scheduled Service
~67 km away
Preguiça Airport
SNE • GVSN
Preguiça, CV
Medium Airport Scheduled Service
~143 km away
Rabil Airport
BVC • GVBA
Rabil, CV
Medium Airport Scheduled Service
~67 km away
Preguiça Airport
SNE • GVSN
Preguiça, CV
Medium Airport Scheduled Service
~143 km away
Distances are approximate and calculated as straight-line distances.