RAIGVNPLarge Airport

Nelson Mandela International Airport

Praia, Cape Verde230 ft elevation

Plan transport

IATA

RAI

Three-letter passenger code.

ICAO

GVNP

Operational aviation identifier.

Elevation

230 ft

The elevation is typical for the region.

Coordinates

14.94, -23.48

Praia map position.

Airport scale

Large Regional Gateway

The airport is easier to read than the largest hubs, but schedules can cluster around regional arrival and departure waves.

Nelson Mandela Airport overview

Nelson Mandela International Airport (RAI) serves Praia, Cape Verde. It is listed as a large regional gateway, so this guide focuses on practical location context, airport identifiers, nearby alternates, and the details travelers can verify before planning a route through RAI.

The airport sits at 230 feet above sea level. Its coordinates are 14.9411, -23.4847, which helps travelers compare the airport with city access points and other airports in Cape Verde.

Nearby alternatives include Maio Airport (MMO) and Mosteiros Airport (MTI). Compare those pages when checking backup airports, local access, or regional routing across Africa.

RAI planning callout

Build in daylight arrival margin where possible and confirm hotel transfers before landing, especially on first-time trips. For this page, compare RAI with nearby airport links and the Cape Verde country guide before finalizing route choices.

Nelson Mandela Airport unique facts

RAI fact 1

Nelson Mandela International Airport uses IATA code RAI and ICAO code GVNP.

RAI fact 2

RAI serves Praia in Cape Verde.

RAI fact 3

In this directory, it ranks #5 by estimated passenger scale among listed Cape Verde airports.

RAI fact 4

Across Africa, this airport ranks #809 in the current featured airport set.

RAI fact 5

Nelson Mandela International Airport is classified as a large regional gateway, based on airport type and available passenger estimates.

RAI fact 6

RAI sits 230 feet above sea level.

Nelson Mandela Airport facilities

Nelson Mandela Airport restaurants

At RAI, check whether dining is concentrated landside or airside before settling near the gate.

RAI lounges

For Nelson Mandela International Airport, lounge access usually depends on airline, alliance status, cabin, or paid-entry rules.

RAI WiFi

Use airport WiFi for maps, airline alerts, and transport bookings before leaving Nelson Mandela Airport.

Praia airport parking

For departures from Praia, compare terminal-adjacent parking with long-stay lots and shuttle timing.

RAI accessibility

Request mobility assistance with your airline before traveling through Nelson Mandela International Airport; same-day help can be slower at peak times.

RAI ATMs

ATMs are most useful for small arrival cash needs in Cape Verde; compare fees before withdrawing large amounts.

RAI currency exchange

Currency desks at Nelson Mandela Airport are convenient after arrival, but city rates may be better for larger exchanges.

RAI car rental

Save RAI as your return point and follow airport rental-car signs rather than only city directions.

Nelson Mandela Airport airport hotels

Airport hotels near Nelson Mandela International Airport are useful for early departures, long layovers, and weather-sensitive connections.

RAI medical help

For urgent health needs at RAI, ask airport staff for first aid or the nearest medical room.

RAI charging

At Nelson Mandela Airport, charge devices before boarding if you rely on mobile boarding passes, maps, or rideshare pickup.

RAI business travel

Nelson Mandela International Airport business travelers should verify lounge, workspace, and fast-track options before peak departure waves.

RAI family travel

Families using RAI should confirm stroller rules, family rooms, and walking distances before security.

Nelson Mandela Airport terminals

RAI terminal planning

Terminal layouts at Nelson Mandela International Airport can change by airline, route, and operating day. Confirm your RAI terminal after check-in, then use airport signage for transfers, baggage claim, and ground transport.

Nelson Mandela Airport transportation

RAI taxi and rideshare

Taxi or rideshare is the simplest choice at RAI when arriving late or carrying luggage into Praia.

RAI train or metro

If rail is available at Nelson Mandela International Airport, compare it against traffic-sensitive road transfers before choosing a taxi.

RAI bus and coaches

Bus service is usually the best-value option for Praia, but confirm stop location and operating hours for early departures from RAI.

RAI driving and car rental

For rental cars, save the airport code RAI in navigation and follow terminal-specific return signs rather than only city-center directions.

Nelson Mandela Airport location

RAI

Nelson Mandela International Airport

14.9411, -23.4847

Maio Airport

38 km from RAI

Mosteiros Airport

93 km from RAI

São Filipe Airport

107 km from RAI

Aristides Pereira International Airport

147 km from RAI

Nelson Mandela Airport traveler tips

RAI tip 1

Check the departure board before settling in; smaller schedules can cluster around a few busy waves.

RAI tip 2

Weather delays are usually more tied to regional systems than airport elevation.

RAI tip 3

For international departures, leave time for document checks before security as well as any terminal train or shuttle.

RAI tip 4

For photos and window views, note the field orientation around 14.94 latitude and -23.48 longitude.

RAI tip 5

Morning departures are often smoother when you pre-book parking, rideshare, or rail tickets.

RAI tip 6

Build in daylight arrival margin where possible and confirm hotel transfers before landing, especially on first-time trips.

Nelson Mandela Airport FAQ

Where is Nelson Mandela International Airport located?

Nelson Mandela International Airport (RAI) is located in Praia, Cape Verde, at coordinates 14.9411, -23.4847.

What is the IATA code for Nelson Mandela International Airport?

The IATA code for Nelson Mandela International Airport is RAI. Its ICAO code is GVNP.

Is Nelson Mandela International Airport a large airport?

Nelson Mandela International Airport is classified as a large airport in the OurAirports dataset and reads as a large regional gateway in this guide. The airport is easier to read than the largest hubs, but schedules can cluster around regional arrival and departure waves.

How early should I arrive at RAI?

For Nelson Mandela International Airport, arrive earlier during morning and evening departure banks. International travelers should generally plan more buffer than domestic travelers, especially if bags or document checks are involved.

What elevation is Nelson Mandela International Airport?

Nelson Mandela International Airport is 230 feet above sea level; The elevation is typical for the region..

Does Nelson Mandela International Airport have scheduled airline service?

Nelson Mandela International Airport is marked as having scheduled service in the current airport dataset.

What city does RAI serve?

RAI primarily serves Praia and the surrounding region.

Are there nearby airports to RAI?

Nearby comparison airports include Maio Airport (MMO) and Mosteiros Airport (MTI).

What transport should I check first at RAI?

Build in daylight arrival margin where possible and confirm hotel transfers before landing, especially on first-time trips. For Nelson Mandela International Airport, compare fixed-link transit, official taxis, rideshare pickup, and hotel transfer options before arrival.

Nelson Mandela Airport related airports

BVC

Aristides Pereira International Airport

Rabil, Cape Verde

Type

Large Airport

Elevation

69 ft

AfricaGuide

SID

Amílcar Cabral International Airport

Espargos, Cape Verde

Type

Large Airport

Elevation

177 ft

AfricaGuide

VXE

Cesaria Evora International Airport

São Pedro, Cape Verde

Type

Large Airport

Elevation

66 ft

AfricaGuide

MMO

Maio Airport

Vila do Maio, Cape Verde

Type

Medium Airport

Elevation

36 ft

AfricaGuide

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