Nelson Mandela International Airport Guide
Nelson Mandela International Airport (IATA: RAI, ICAO: GVNP) sits 3 km northeast of Praia, the capital of Cape Verde, on the island of Santiago. It opened in October 2005, replacing the older Francisco Mendes Airport closer to the city centre, and was renamed in 2012 to honour Nelson Mandela. VINCI Airports has operated the facility under a 40-year concession since July 2023.
The airport handles both international and domestic inter-island traffic from a single terminal, with one 2,100-metre runway capable of accommodating medium-sized aircraft. It handled 743,000 passengers in 2025. Despite being the capital's gateway, overall traffic volume across the Cape Verde archipelago is led by Amílcar Cabral International Airport on the island of Sal.
Regular carriers include TAP Air Portugal, Cabo Verde Airlines, easyJet, Royal Air Maroc, Air Senegal, ASKY Airlines, Transavia, Azores Airlines, and Luxair. The terminal provides duty-free retail, dining, and direct public transport links into Praia.
Services
4 of 6 availableCompare 18 listed options at Nelson Mandela International Airport, spanning parking, car rentals, hotels and shuttles. Each guide sets out locations, distance from the airport, key features and links to book direct, so you can weigh cost against convenience before you fly. Select a service below to see every provider we track for Nelson Mandela International Airport.
Location
Key facts
- Size
- 743K passengers (2025)1 runwayopened 2005
- Location
- 14.941, -23.485
- Operator
- Cabo Verde Airports (operated by VINCI Airports)
Terminals
1 terminalNelson Mandela International Airport has 1 passenger terminal — Terminal, handling both international and domestic flights for around 9 airlines. Check which terminal your airline uses before you travel, as check-in, security and boarding points differ between them, and moving from one to another can take time.
- TerminalMixed
TAP Air Portugal, Cabo Verde Airlines, easyJet, Royal Air Maroc, Air Senegal, ASKY Airlines, Transavia, Azores Airlines, Luxair
Nearby cities
4 citiesNelson Mandela International Airport is closest to Praia (3 km southwest), and also serves Cidade Velha, Assomada and other nearby areas. With 4 towns and cities within reach, it is a practical gateway for the wider region. Distances shown are straight-line from the airport, so allow extra time for road transfers, traffic and parking.
- Praia3 km southwest
- Cidade Velha15 km west
- Assomada30 km north
- Tarrafal70 km north
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the airport codes for Nelson Mandela International Airport?
What are the airport codes for Nelson Mandela International Airport?
Where is Nelson Mandela International Airport located?
Where is Nelson Mandela International Airport located?
What services are available at Nelson Mandela International Airport?
What services are available at Nelson Mandela International Airport?
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