Nelson Mandela International Airport

Nelson Mandela International Airport in Praia, Cape Verde, opened in the 1960s and was modernized with a new passenger terminal in the mid-2000s; today its single-terminal layout handles a steady mix of domestic and international flights. As Santiago’s primary airport, it’s a small-to-medium gateway that’s important for government, business and island-hopping traffic rather than as a major transatlantic hub. The airport sits just outside central Praia — typically a 10–20 minute taxi or local-bus ride — with car rental and shuttle options available. Fares are generally affordable on regional routes though long-haul prices can spike seasonally, and it serves as a base for Cabo Verde Airlines and regional carriers like Binter Cabo Verde.