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Amílcar Cabral International Airport

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Amílcar Cabral International Airport (Cape Verde)

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Amílcar Cabral International Airport, located on the island of Sal, is the primary aviation hub of Cape Verde and a site of significant historical importance. It was originally built by Italy in 1939 to serve as a vital refueling stop for transatlantic flights connecting Europe and South America. During the apartheid era in South Africa, it gained strategic importance as one of the few places where South African aircraft were allowed to land on their routes to Europe. The airport features one of the longest runways in West Africa, which was famously designated as an emergency landing site for the NASA Space Shuttle. Today, it serves as the main gateway for international tourism in Cape Verde, linking the archipelago with numerous destinations across Europe and the Americas. Named after the national hero Amílcar Cabral, the airport stands as a symbol of the island nation's connectivity and its modern economic development.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Feb–Apr.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C222121222223242627262524
Rain mm2323765473450262733

📋 Practical info

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Visiting
Amílcar Cabral Airport is accessible to the public in the arrival and departure areas. The security zones and tarmac are only accessible to passengers with valid flight tickets.
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Typical hours
The airport is usually open daily from about 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM, depending on the flight schedule. Airline counters typically open two hours before departure.
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Photography
Photography in the public terminal areas is usually allowed. Avoid photographing military installations or security personnel near the airport.
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Time needed
For a short visit of the public areas, allow about 20 to 30 minutes. Travelers are advised to be at the airport at least two hours before departure.
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Combine with
Combine the airport visit with a trip to Santa Maria, the main tourist destination on Sal, which is only 15 minutes away. Enjoy the beaches and nightlife there.
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Getting there
The airport is located about 2 kilometers west of Espargos, the capital of Sal. Taxis and rental cars are the most common means of transport to reach the airport.
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Insider tip
Book transfers and accommodation in advance, as demand is high during peak season. The airport has a good selection of duty-free shops for souvenirs and local rum.

Geography

Coordinates
16.73330, -22.95000

Facts

  • The airport was originally constructed in 1939 by Italy.
  • It features a 3,272-meter long runway, one of Africa's longest.
  • It was an official emergency landing site for NASA's Space Shuttle.
  • The airport is the primary hub for the national carrier Cabo Verde Airlines.
  • It played a key role in avoiding flight bans during the Cold War.
  • The airport's IATA code is SID, named after the island of Sal.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Monte TortolhoMonte Tortolho<1 km · WExplore →
Monte CurralMonte Curral2 km · NEExplore →
SalSal2 km · NExplore →
Shark Bay Lemon Shark ObservationShark Bay Lemon Shark Observation4 km · NWExplore →
Port of PalmeiraPort of Palmeira5 km · SEExplore →
MurdeiraMurdeira5 km · WExplore →
Historical Salt Pans of Pedra de LumeHistorical Salt Pans of Pedra de Lume7 km · NEExplore →
BuraconaBuracona9 km · SEExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Amílcar Cabral International Airport (2)

Anfiteatro José Cabral

Open-air theatre in Sal Rei, used for cultural events and concerts.

Monte Curral

Hill near Sal Rei, offering views of the surroundings and the coast.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Where is this airport located?
It is located on Sal Island, near the city of Espargos.
Is it an international airport?
Yes, it is one of the most important international hubs in Cape Verde.
Is there a transfer to Santa Maria?
Yes, there are taxis and shared taxis (alugueres); the ride takes about 20 minutes.
Are there car rental companies there?
Several local and international providers have offices directly at the airport.
Can you exchange money at the airport?
Yes, there is a bank and ATMs in the arrivals hall.
Amílcar Cabral International Airport: where is it located?
Amílcar Cabral International Airport is located in Cape Verde.
Amílcar Cabral International Airport: what is there to see?
Highlights include Anfiteatro José Cabral, Monte Curral.
Amílcar Cabral International Airport: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Feb, Apr.
Amílcar Cabral International Airport: why is it worth visiting?
Amílcar Cabral International Airport, located on the island of Sal, is the primary aviation hub of Cape Verde and a site of significant historical importance.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
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Nearby cities

Espargos — Amílcar Cabral International Airport (Cape Verde)
Espargos
Espargos is the administrative center of Sal island, located in the interior.
Palmeira — Amílcar Cabral International Airport (Cape Verde)
Palmeira
Palmeira is the main port town of Sal and a center for trade.
Santa Maria — Amílcar Cabral International Airport (Cape Verde)
Santa Maria
Santa Maria is the main tourist center of Cape Verde, with miles of sandy beaches.
Murdeira — Amílcar Cabral International Airport (Cape Verde)
Murdeira
Murdeira is a coastal village in a protected bay on the west coast of Sal.

Nature

Pedra de Lume Salt Lake — Amílcar Cabral International Airport (Cape Verde)
Pedra de Lume Salt Lake
A salt lake inside the crater of an extinct volcano, where you can float like in the Dead Sea.

More places

Monte Tortolho — Amílcar Cabral International Airport (Cape Verde)
Monte Tortolho
A small but striking volcanic hill in the south of Sal, rising out of the otherwise completely flat landscape.
Monte Curral — Amílcar Cabral International Airport (Cape Verde)
Monte Curral
A mountain in the heart of the city of Espargos on Sal, which today serves as a site for communication facilities.
Sal — Amílcar Cabral International Airport (Cape Verde)
Sal
The sunniest island of the archipelago, known for its vast sandy beaches and salt mines.
Espargos Children&#39;s Playground — Amílcar Cabral International Airport (Cape Verde)
Espargos Children's Playground
A central meeting point for children in Espargos, equipped with colorful play structures and shaded areas.
Shark Bay Lemon Shark Observation — Amílcar Cabral International Airport (Cape Verde)
Shark Bay Lemon Shark Observation
A shallow coastal area on Sal where young lemon sharks can be observed at close range.
Port of Palmeira — Amílcar Cabral International Airport (Cape Verde)
Port of Palmeira
Porto de Palmeira is the main harbor on Sal, located by the fishing village of Palmeira.
Historical Salt Pans of Pedra de Lume — Amílcar Cabral International Airport (Cape Verde)
Historical Salt Pans of Pedra de Lume
Former salt production facilities in a volcanic crater that shaped the economy of Sal island.
Buracona — Amílcar Cabral International Airport (Cape Verde)
Buracona
A natural sea pool on Sal, famous for the 'Blue Eye', a light phenomenon.