Nelson Mandela International Airport (RAI)
Praia, CV 🇨🇻 Large International Airport Scheduled Service
ICAO
GVNP
IATA
RAI
Elevation
230 ft
Region
CV-S
Local Time
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GPS Code: GVNP
Local Code: Not available
Location: 14.941126° N, -23.484728° E
Continent: Africa
Type: Large International Airport
Keywords: Santiago Island
What Travelers Say
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Online Reviews Summary
Nelson Mandela International Airport (RAI) in Praia, CV, receives mixed reviews from recent travelers. While many appreciate its modern facilities and certain efficiencies, common frustrations include long wait times at immigration and a perceived lack of organization. Overall sentiment suggests an airport that is functional but can be challenging during peak periods.
What Travelers Love
- Modern Facilities and Cleanliness: The airport is described as modern, clean, and well-maintained, with its terminal renovated and modernized in 2018.
- Free and Fast WiFi: Travelers consistently praise the availability of free and fast WiFi throughout the airport.
- Efficient Services (for some): The ability to pay registration fees with a credit card at passport control is a noted efficiency, and some describe the handling as "fast."
- Basic Amenities: The airport offers functional ATMs, souvenir stores, duty-free shopping, and dining options.
Common Complaints
- Long Immigration and Customs Wait Times: A significant and recurring complaint is the "insanely slow" queues at arrivals, customs, and immigration. There are also reports of disorganization and people skipping lines without enforcement. Current security wait times can be around 28-30 minutes, and immigration around 7-8 minutes.
- Limited Departure Area Amenities: The departure waiting area is noted as small with limited electrical outlets. Overall terminal facilities, food, and retail services receive lower satisfaction ratings.
- Airport Security Tax (TSA) Process: Foreigners must pay the Airport Security Tax (TSA), and while online pre-registration via EASE is recommended to avoid queues, some travelers report issues with the online system or still experience delays if not pre-registered.
Nelson Mandela International Airport serves as a crucial gateway to Santiago Island, offering essential services in a modern, albeit sometimes congested, environment. Travelers are advised to prepare for potential delays at immigration and consider pre-booking airport transfers to ensure a smoother experience.
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Airport Routes
Nelson Mandela International Airport (RAI) offers 22 flight routes operated by 10 airlines. Major carriers include TACV, TAP Air Portugal, Royal Air Maroc and others. Popular destinations from Praia include Amilcar Cabral Int'l, Blaise Diagne, General Humberto Delgado Airport, Maio and Sao Filipe.
Route Network Map
Top Routes (by observations)
- Amilcar Cabral Int'l (SID) 4
- Blaise Diagne (DSS) 3
- General Humberto Delgado Airport (LIS) 3
- Maio (MMO) 1
- Sao Filipe (SFL) 1
- Preguica (SNE) 1
- Sao Pedro (VXE) 1
- Nice Cote d'Azur (NCE) 1
- Charles de Gaulle/Roissy (CDG) 1
- Ponta Delgada Joao Paulo II (PDL) 1
- Porto / Oporto (OPO) 1
- Osvaldo Vieiro Int'l (OXB) 1
Newly Discovered
- Sao Pedro (VXE) new
- Sao Filipe (SFL) new
- Maio (MMO) new
- General Humberto Delgado Airport (LIS) new
- Ponta Delgada Joao Paulo II (PDL) new
- Rabil (BVC) new
- Blaise Diagne (DSS) new
- Amilcar Cabral Int'l (SID) new
- Mohammed V Int'l (CMN) new
- Osvaldo Vieiro Int'l (OXB) new
- Porto / Oporto (OPO) new
- Preguica (SNE) new
Popular Flight Routes
| Destination | IATA | City | Aircraft Type | Airline | Details | Route Map |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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Top Airlines
Operating at Nelson Mandela International AirportAirlines by Flight Activity
Based on observed flight operations and route network| Airline | Routes | Flights | Destinations | Last Activity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
TACV
TCV
/ VR
|
9 | 843 | 9 | Feb 14, 2026 |
TAP Air Portugal
TAP
/ TP
|
1 | 174 | 1 | Feb 14, 2026 |
Royal Air Maroc
RAM
/ AT
|
2 | 85 | 2 | Feb 14, 2026 |
Transavia France
TVF
/ TO
|
1 | 52 | 1 | Feb 14, 2026 |
|
Sata Internacional
RZO
/ S4
|
1 | 51 | 1 | Feb 14, 2026 |
|
ASKY Airlines
SKK
/ KP
|
1 | 51 | 1 | Feb 14, 2026 |
|
Groupe Transair
GTS
/ R2
|
1 | 47 | 1 | Feb 14, 2026 |
easyJet
EZY
/ U2
|
2 | 40 | 2 | Feb 13, 2026 |
|
Air Senegal
SZN
/ HC
|
1 | 33 | 1 | Jan 25, 2026 |
Edelweiss Air AG
EDW
/ WK
|
1 | 11 | 1 | Feb 12, 2026 |
For Pilots
| Designation | Length | Width | Surface | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
03/21 |
6890 ft | 148 ft | ASP | Active |
03L/21R |
4209 ft | 98 ft | ASP | Closed Lighted |
03R/21L |
6876 ft | 148 ft | ASP | Closed Lighted |
| Type | Description | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| APP | PRAIA APP | 118.2 MHz |
| TWR | PRAIA TWR | 118.2 MHz |
Ground Transportation
Taxis
Taxis are the primary and most convenient mode of transport from Nelson Mandela International Airport (RAI) in Praia, Cape Verde. They are readily available 24/7 outside the arrivals terminal. It is crucial to negotiate and agree on the fare with the driver before the journey begins, as taxis in Praia do not typically use meters.
Rental Cars
Several car rental agencies, including local and international providers, have desks located within the arrivals hall. It is highly advisable to book a vehicle in advance, especially during peak season, to ensure availability and secure better pricing. An international driving permit may be required in addition to your standard license.
Public Transportation
Direct public bus service from the airport is very limited or non-existent. The main form of public transport in the city is a network of shared minibuses (known as 'Hiaces' or 'Yasis'). However, these do not have a formal stop at the terminal, making them an impractical option for travelers arriving with luggage.