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Nelson Mandela International Airport (RAI/GVNP) is Cape Verde’s second-busiest airport, located about 3 km northeast of Praia on Santiago Island. Originally opened as Praia International Airport, it was renamed in 2012 to honor Nelson Mandela. It serves as a key gateway for domestic inter-island flights and international routes to Europe and West Africa.
💡 Local Tip
For domestic inter-island departures, keep your baggage receipt handy—staff may manually verify bags at the gate, and the process can be slower than international security.
🚖 Getting There
Taxis are the main option; agree on the fare before leaving or use a hotel transfer if available. The drive to central Praia takes about 10–15 minutes. Local buses and aluguers run nearby but are less convenient with luggage.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the airport code for Nelson Mandela International Airport?
A: The IATA code is RAI and the ICAO code is GVNP.
Q: How far is the airport from downtown Praia?
A: It is about 3 km (under 2 miles) northeast of central Praia, typically a 10–15 minute drive depending on traffic.
Q: What airlines fly to Praia?
A: Airlines include Cabo Verde Airlines, TAP Air Portugal, and several regional or seasonal carriers; domestic flights connect to islands such as Sal, São Vicente, and Boa Vista.
Q: Are there ATMs or currency exchange at the airport?
A: Limited banking and currency exchange services are available, so it is wise to carry some Cape Verdean escudos or withdraw cash in Praia before departure if needed.
AI-generated content · Generated Sep 28, 2026 · deepseek-v4.1-flash