Cheap flights from Praia (RAI)

Capital gateway to Cape Verde's Santiago island

Nelson Mandela International serves Praia, the capital of Cape Verde, from a site about 3 km northeast of the city centre on Santiago island. TAP Air Portugal anchors the main link to Lisbon, while Cabo Verde Airlines and Bestfly handle inter-island routes to Sal, São Vicente and Boa Vista. ASKY, Royal Air Maroc and TACV connections also reach Dakar, Casablanca and other West African capitals.

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Airlines flying from Praia (RAI)

Major carriers: TAP Air Portugal, Cabo Verde Airlines, Bestfly, ASKY Airlines, Royal Air Maroc.

Popular destinations from Praia (RAI)

Frequently asked questions

What is Praia's airport code?
Praia's airport code is RAI, for Nelson Mandela International Airport. It replaced the old Francisco Mendes Airport in 2005 and is Cape Verde's primary capital-city gateway, sitting roughly 3 km from the city centre on Santiago island.
Which airlines fly out of Praia?
RAI is served by TAP Air Portugal, Cabo Verde Airlines, Bestfly, ASKY and Royal Air Maroc, plus seasonal Brazil-bound services. Flightmussy's free 12-month heatmap compares them all on one screen with no signup, so you can spot the cheapest day to fly between Europe, Brazil and the islands.
Are there direct flights between Praia and the other Cape Verde islands?
Yes. Bestfly and Cabo Verde Airlines operate frequent inter-island flights from RAI to Sal (SID), São Vicente (VXE) and Boa Vista (BVC), most under an hour. Flightmussy surfaces these alongside long-haul arrivals so multi-island itineraries are easy to plan in one view.
How far is Nelson Mandela Airport from central Praia?
RAI sits about 3 km northeast of central Praia, a short 10-15 minute taxi ride. Several hotels offer shuttle services, and licensed taxis queue at the terminal. The proximity makes it one of the more convenient capital airports in West Africa.

Other airports in Cape Verde

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