Nelson Mandela International Airport facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Praia International Airport
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| Airport type | Public | ||||||||||
| Operator | Aeroportos Segurança Aérea (ASA) | ||||||||||
| Location | Praia, Cape Verde | ||||||||||
| Focus city for | Cabo Verde Airlines | ||||||||||
| Elevation AMSL | 70 m / 230 ft | ||||||||||
| Coordinates | 14°55′27.12″N 23°29′38.04″W / 14.9242000°N 23.4939000°W | ||||||||||
| Website | RAI Website | ||||||||||
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 RAI
Location in Cape Verde
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| Statistics (2017) | |||||||||||
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Praia International Airport (airport codes: RAI, GVNP) is an airport located on Santiago Island in the country of Cape Verde. It is the main airport for Praia, which is the capital and largest city of Cape Verde.
This airport opened in late 2005. It took the place of an older airport called Francisco Mendes International Airport.
About the Airport
Location and History
Praia International Airport is found about 3 kilometers (about 1.8 miles) northeast of central Praia. It is in the southeastern part of Santiago Island. The very first flight landed at this new airport on October 23, 2005.
Even though it serves the capital city, Praia, Cape Verde's busiest international airport is actually Amílcar Cabral International Airport. That airport is located on a smaller island called Sal.
Renaming for Nelson Mandela
At the beginning of 2012, the airport was given a new name. It was renamed after Nelson Mandela. He was a very important leader and former president of South Africa. He is famous for fighting for freedom and equality.
Airport Activity
Praia International Airport is a busy place. Many people travel through it every year. In 2017, over 662,000 passengers used the airport. This shows how important it is for travel to and from Santiago Island.
The airport also handles many flights. In 2017, there were more than 11,000 take-offs and landings. It also moves goods, with nearly 1,000 tonnes of cargo passing through.
