Amílcar Cabral International Airport
Operated By: |
 Aeroportos Segurança Aera |
Website: |
www.asa.cv/aeroportos/aeroporto-do-sal |
Terminals: |
1 |
This Review: |
Only Terminal |
Rating: |
 |
| SID SAL TT0107 /221750 |
Last updated 22/03/2023
General: |
The largest airport in the Cabo Verde Islands and the main international hub for the country |
Appearance: |
The original building is from the late 1930s but the interior has been renovated and expanded over the years, with the gate area being modern and relatively spacious - certainly despite their being three full big planes heading back to Europe at the same time there were still seats available |
Inbound
Domestic
I have not arrived on a domestic flight at this airport
International
On landing it's either buses or a walk across the tarmac to the large immigration hall which then leads to the baggage reclaim hall directly behind it, which also houses a couple of small duty free shops. From baggage reclaim it's a short walk through customs to the arrivals hall
The Immigration hall is quite large and the queues were pretty big when I got in there, but the Cabo Verde immigration officers are super efficient in processing people, plus the eGates can be used by most travellers, so I was through in only a few minutes
The baggage reclaim hall is probably the most cramped part of the airport, but the ground staff are really efficient so you're never waiting that long for bags - I probably only had to wait about 10 minutes, and mine was one of the last off of a near fully loaded widebody jet.
When I went through there was nobody around.
There are no public transport connections from the airport, most arrivals are on package holidays so have transfer coaches waiting, otherwise there are plentiful taxis directly outside the arrivals hall. From the airport to Santa Maria where the resorts are is about 15 minutes, the capital Espargos is about 5 minutes away
Outbound
Domestic
I have not flown domestically from this airport
International
The airport is very much set up for big influxes of passengers from resort shuttles with all check-in desks handling all flights, so although the queues look large they are speedy. There are only two security lanes, but even with a full queue it only took about 20 minutes to get through. Once through the departures area is very pleasant with air conditioned seating areas, or outdoor courtyards. Boarding is either via bus to remote stands or walking across the tarmac.
Nothing landside two café/bars airside
Nothing landside two café/bars airside
No real restaurants, though one of the cafes offers pizza and burgers
A couple of shops including a reasonable sized duty free store and a small shop selling local gifts
The toilets were all clean and well maintained