Nelson Mandela International Airport – RAI Praia

Situated about three kilometers northeast of the heart of Praia on the island of Santiago in Cape Verde is the Nelson Mandela International Airport,previously called Praia International Airport. The airport was opened on October 2005, which replaced the old Francisco Mendes International Airport. Although the airport serves the capital and largest city and the island of Santiago, the busiest airport is still the Amilcar Cabral International Airport that is located on the smaller island of Sal. In January 2012, the Cape Verde government named the airport after Nelson Mandela. A former South African president and an icon for freedom in Africa.

Best Time to Visit

The Nelson Mandela International Airport has a single runway and a small terminal that was renovated and modernized in 2018. The airport has only a few snack bars, a duty-free outlet, and some gift shops for last-minute shopping. There are also ATM Machines available if you run out of cash and a currency exchange service can also be found in the airport. The RAI Praia is the only airport of choice for passengers in the city of Praiasince it is the closest one in the place.

What to Do & Area Attractions

A lot of RAI Praia hotels can be found near the airport. A 10-minute drive from the airport is the Hotel Oasis Atlantico Praiamar. The place is located in close to the beach and has an outdoor swimming pool with sunbeds, a fitness room, and some meeting rooms. Daily breakfast buffet is served daily and local and international cuisines are available in their onsite restaurants. Alternative hotels near RAI Airport include Praia Confort and Hotel Santa Maria.

Maio Airportis also an airport near RAI Praia that serves Cape Verde and the island of Maio.