Nelson Mandela International Airport (IATA: RAI, ICAO: GVNP) serves Praia, CV. It has 44 scheduled routes to 36 destinations in 18 countries, operated by 12 airlines.
- 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.
- 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.
Bottom line: 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.
New & changed departures
13 changes to RAI's schedule in the last 90 days.
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Track all changesRoutes from RAI
36 nonstop destinations · 12 airlines.
Airlines at RAI
12 carriers operate scheduled departures.
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Airport routes
Nelson Mandela International Airport (RAI) offers 44 flight routes operated by 12 airlines. Major carriers include TACV, Transavia France, easyJet and others. Popular destinations from Praia include General Humberto Delgado Airport, Amilcar Cabral Int'l, Sao Pedro, Sao Filipe, Blaise Diagne.
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Common questions about RAI
Quick answers, straight from the schedule data.
How many destinations have nonstop flights from RAI?
Nelson Mandela International Airport has 44 scheduled routes to 36 destinations in 18 countries, operated by 12 airlines.
Which airlines fly from Nelson Mandela International Airport?
12 carriers operate scheduled departures, including TACV, Transavia France, easyJet.
Where is Nelson Mandela International Airport located?
Nelson Mandela International Airport is located in Praia, CV, at an elevation of 230 ft. Its IATA code is RAI and ICAO code is GVNP.