
Praia International Airport is the gateway to Cape Verde’s capital and a premier entry point for exclusive private jet travel to West Africa. Just minutes from downtown Praia on Santiago Island, RAI is designed for discerning travelers who expect seamless arrivals, rapid customs clearance, and complete discretion. By focusing exclusively on private, corporate, and charter flights, Praia Intl delivers an environment that is efficient, tranquil, and tailored to the world’s most sophisticated flyers.

Airport Identifiers:
Location:
Nelson Mandela International Airport, Praia, Santiago Island, Cape Verde
Owner and Operator:
ASA – Aeroportos e Segurança Aérea, Cape Verde
Airport Classification:
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Operations:
Y
24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Limited to airport operating hours
Annual Flight Operations:
Approximately 18,000 (private and commercial aviation)
Longest Runway



The maximum takeoff weight at Praia Intl is 200,000 lbs. This supports all categories of private aircraft, including turboprops, light jets, midsize and super-midsize jets, as well as large-cabin heavy jets for intercontinental operations.

Praia Intl operates with a flexible slot system for private jets. Our team manages all required slot coordination and landing permits, ensuring your arrival and departure are seamless and compliant with local regulations.

RAI does not currently enforce a noise curfew. However, all flights must comply with Cape Verde’s operational guidelines and ICAO noise standards, which are built into every Jettly itinerary.
Private jet travelers at Praia Intl enjoy dedicated FBO services, offering VIP lounges, full ground handling, and bespoke passenger support. At RAI, FBOs are designed to deliver an unmatched level of privacy and comfort for every journey.
Praia’s FBOs feature premium amenities, including executive lounges, private offices, meeting rooms, gourmet catering, high-speed Wi-Fi, and luxury ground transportation arrangements. Your Jettly advisor will confirm the FBO for your flight upon booking.
King Air 350, Pilatus PC-12, and Beechcraft 1900 are ideal for inter-island hops and short regional flights. These aircraft excel at accessing Cape Verde’s smaller runways and are perfect for leisure or business travel within the islands.
VLJs such as the Phenom 100 and Citation Mustang are perfect for quick, cost-effective trips with up to 4 passengers to islands or nearby African destinations.
Light jets like the Citation CJ2+, Phenom 300, and Learjet 40XR are popular for direct flights to Lisbon, Dakar, or the Canary Islands, comfortably seating 6–7 passengers.
Midsize jets including the Hawker 800XP, Citation XLS+, and Learjet 60 offer stand-up cabins, generous baggage space, and nonstop range to European and African capitals for 7–9 passengers.
The Challenger 350, Citation Sovereign, and Gulfstream G280 are preferred for transcontinental missions from Praia, combining luxurious cabins with nonstop range to mainland Europe and select Americas destinations.
Heavy jets such as the Gulfstream G550, Falcon 900LX, and Challenger 650 provide long-haul capability from Praia, seating 10–16 and featuring club seating, full galleys, and extended cabin amenities.

For ultra-long-range missions exceeding runway limits at Praia, our team will coordinate with alternative airports such as Sal (SID) to ensure optimal aircraft performance and range. Jettly always selects the ideal departure point for your aircraft and itinerary.
Praia International is a growing hub for private charter traffic, connecting Africa to Europe, the Americas, and other islands in the archipelago. Our most popular private jet routes from Praia include:

Due to Praia’s increasing volume of private jet operations, empty-leg flights from RAI are available on a recurring basis, particularly on routes to Lisbon, Sal, and major West African capitals. Empty legs provide significant savings—often 25–75% off standard charter rates.
Praia Intl serves a diverse clientele, from high-profile business leaders and diplomats to cultural figures and discerning leisure travelers. Each group values the privacy, speed, and flexibility unique to private jet travel in Cape Verde.
utilize Praia Intl for rapid access to Cape Verde’s banking and governmental centers, often flying regularly between Praia, Lisbon, and West African business capitals for meetings, investments, and negotiations.
firms use RAI to facilitate international legal, consulting, and advisory work, making use of light and midsize jets for quick trips between islands or to European destinations.
appreciate Praia’s private FBO environment, which ensures a confidential and comfortable experience away from the public eye—ideal for high-profile arrivals and production logistics.
base midsize and heavy jets at Praia to provide ongoing executive transport for multinational organizations, with on-site management and secure hangar facilities available at the airport.
choose Praia Intl for luxury escapes to Sal, Boa Vista, or international getaways, with seamless integration of private jet and bespoke ground arrangements for a truly elevated experience.
Jettly is a DOT-regulated charter broker operating under Parts 295 and 298, providing access to FAA-certified air operators. Every aircraft available through Jettly's platform is sourced from independently verified, safety-audited carriers.
Deep local operator relationships
Slot coordination handled for you
Transparent, all-inclusive pricing
Fleet access without constraints
Same-day and last-minute service


Praia’s main runway supports all private jet categories, including turboprops, light jets, midsize, super-midsize, and heavy jets such as the Falcon 900LX, Gulfstream G550, Challenger 650, and Global 6000.

Contact Jettly through our online platform or call +1-866-448-2358. We can arrange private flights from Praia within 4–8 hours, though booking 24–48 hours in advance secures the best availability and pricing.

Contact Jettly directly via our online platform or by phone at 866-448-2358. We can typically arrange flights in as little as 3-6 hours, though we recommend booking at least 24-72 hours in advance for the best aircraft availability and pricing.

Praia Intl operates with a flexible slot system for private jets. Our team manages all required slot coordination and landing permits, ensuring your arrival and departure are seamless and compliant with local regulations.

The primary FBOs at Praia Intl deliver full-service handling, including VIP lounges, passenger services, catering, and luxury ground transportation. Your assigned FBO will be confirmed with your charter booking to ensure a seamless arrival and departure experience.

Praia Intl is the premier choice for clients in Cape Verde’s capital and southern Santiago, offering the most comprehensive FBO services and direct access to Praia’s business district. Sal (SID) is ideal for northern island travelers and offers regular international connections, while Maio (MMO) caters to lighter aircraft and leisure trips to nearby islands.
Whether you need a last-minute light jet to Sal, a midsize charter to Lisbon, or a heavy jet for a transatlantic journey, Jettly streamlines every aspect of your Praia private jet charter. Our team manages slots, FBO arrangements, catering, and chauffeured transfers, so all you need to do is step aboard.

Jettly operates as a charter broker under the U.S. DOT Parts 295 and 298 regulations. Jettly is not a direct air carrier and does not own or operate aircraft. All charter flights are conducted by FAA-certified Part 135 or Part 121 operators. Jettly does not carry additional liability insurance.
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