Nelson Mandela International Airport (IATA: RAI, ICAO: GVNP) serves Praia, CV. It has 30 scheduled routes to 22 destinations in 12 countries, operated by 12 airlines.
- Modern and Organized: Many travelers describe RAI as a modern and organized airport, especially for its size.
- Credit Card Payment for Registration Fee: The ability to pay the registration fee with a credit card at passport control is a significant convenience, particularly for those who missed the online pre-registration.
- Functional ATMs: ATMs in the arrivals area are reported to work well with foreign bank cards, allowing access to local currency.
- Free WiFi: The airport offers free and reliable WiFi.
- Quick Boarding for Passengers Without Luggage: Passengers without checked baggage can experience a very quick boarding process.
- Souvenir Stores: There are souvenir stores both before and after security.
- Long Wait Times and Delays: Frequent complaints include long wait times for check-in, security, and immigration, with flights often experiencing delays. Some travelers reported missing flights due to these delays, especially when connecting from domestic flights.
- Limited Dining Options: Food options are scarce, particularly on the domestic departure side, which offers only a small stand with candy and drinks, and the international area has limited, unexceptional food choices. Travelers are advised to bring their own food.
- Check-in Inefficiency: There are reports of only one person working check-in desks, leading to significant delays even when arriving well in advance of the recommended time.
- Perceived Poor Treatment: Some travelers, particularly those born in Cabo Verde, feel that passengers are treated poorly by airport staff.
- No Official Arrivals Hall: Upon exiting customs, travelers are led directly outside where taxi drivers wait, rather than into an official arrivals hall.
- Bargaining for Taxis: Taxis are readily available, but bargaining for a fair price is recommended, with around 10 euros suggested for a ride to the city center.
- Sources researched: anderlog.com, monsoondiaries.com, flightqueue.com, terminalairports.com, airportoverview.com*
Bottom line: Nelson Mandela Praia International Airport offers some modern conveniences like credit card payment for fees and functional ATMs. However, travelers should be prepared for potential delays, limited food options, and a need to be proactive with check-in and taxi negotiations. Arriving early is strongly advised, especially for international flights.
New & changed departures
35 changes to RAI's schedule in the last 90 days.
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Track all changesRoutes from RAI
22 nonstop destinations · 12 airlines.
Airlines at RAI
12 carriers operate scheduled departures.
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Airport routes
Nelson Mandela International Airport (RAI) offers 30 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 30 scheduled routes to 22 destinations in 12 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.