Overview of Rabil Airport
Rabil Airport, located on the island of Boa Vista in Cape Verde, is the second-largest and second-busiest airport in the country. It was opened in 2007 and has since become an important hub for both domestic and international travel.
The airport is operated by Aeroportos de Cabo Verde (AAC), a state-owned company responsible for managing all airports in the country. Rabil Airport is equipped with modern facilities and infrastructure, including a single runway and two terminals.
In recent years, there has been a significant increase in the number of passengers using Rabil Airport. This can be attributed to the growing popularity of Boa Vista as a tourist destination, as well as the increasing number of airlines operating flights to and from the airport.
As of 2021, Rabil Airport is served by several airlines, including TUI, Ryanair, Cabo Verde Airlines, and many others. The airport offers connections to major cities in Europe, Africa, and other parts of the world.
Overall, Rabil Airport serves as a crucial gateway for Cape Verde, connecting the archipelago to the rest of the world. With its modern facilities and growing popularity as a tourist destination, the airport is expected to continue playing a vital role in Cape Verde’s economy and tourism industry.
Terminals at Rabil Airport
Rabil Airport is the main airport serving the island nation of Cape Verde. The airport has a single terminal that measures over 5,000 square meters and can handle up to 500,000 passengers per year.
The terminal at Rabil Airport has recently undergone a major renovation and expansion to improve passenger comfort and accommodate the growing number of visitors to the island. The new terminal features modern facilities and state-of-the-art technology, including automated check-in systems and baggage handling equipment.
Passengers at Rabil Airport can enjoy a range of services, including shopping, dining, and duty-free stores. There are several restaurants and cafes located throughout the terminal, offering a variety of local and international cuisine.
In addition to the main terminal, there are also several VIP lounges available for passengers who require additional privacy and comfort. These lounges offer a range of amenities, including Wi-Fi, comfortable seating, and complimentary snacks and drinks.
As an international airport, Rabil offers a range of customs and immigration services for passengers arriving from overseas. There are several passport control checkpoints located throughout the terminal, as well as a dedicated baggage reclaim area and currency exchange facilities.
Overall, the terminal at Rabil Airport is a modern and well-equipped facility that offers a high level of comfort and convenience for passengers. Whether you’re arriving in Cape Verde for business or pleasure, the airport’s extensive range of amenities and services make it a great gateway to this beautiful island nation.
Airlines and Destinations
The following airlines operate from Rabil Airport: TACV Cabo Verde Airlines, TUI Airways, Cabo Verde Express, Royal Air Maroc, Binter Canarias, and ASKY Airlines.
TACV Cabo Verde Airlines offers domestic flights to Praia and international flights to Lisbon, Paris, Amsterdam, Boston, Washington D.C., and Fortaleza.
TUI Airways operates seasonal flights to Manchester and London.
Cabo Verde Express offers domestic flights to several destinations including Praia and Sao Vicente, as well as international flights to Lisbon, Dakar, and Bissau.
Royal Air Maroc offers international flights to Casablanca.
Binter Canarias operates flights to Las Palmas and Tenerife.
ASKY Airlines offers international flights to Lomé and Accra.
It is important to note that the availability of these routes and frequency of flights may vary seasonally.
Transportation options at Rabil Airport
Rabil Airport, located in Boa Vista Island of Cape Verde, offers a plethora of transportation options for travelers. Whether you are a first-time visitor or a frequent flyer, the airport has all the necessary resources to help you travel around the island with comfort and ease.
One of the most popular transportation options at Rabil Airport is the shuttle service. The airport offers shared shuttle services that provide door-to-door transportation to major hotels, resorts, and other popular destinations on the island. The shuttle services run every hour, and the fare depends on your destination.
Another popular option is car rental. Several car rental companies operate at the airport, providing a wide range of vehicles to cater to all kinds of travelers. The car rental counters are located inside the terminal building, and you can easily rent a car upon arrival. The prices vary depending on the type of vehicle and the duration of your rental.
For those who prefer public transportation, the airport also provides shuttle buses that operate on specific routes across the island. The shuttle buses are a convenient option for budget-conscious travelers who want to explore the island without spending too much on transportation. The bus schedules are available at the airport, and you can purchase tickets at the booth.
If you want to experience the local culture and scenery, you can take the train. The Cape Verdean railway system connects several towns and cities across the island, offering an excellent way to see the natural beauty of the island. The train station is located outside the airport, and you can easily reach it by taking the shuttle or taxi.
Apart from these options, you can also hire a private taxi for a more personalized transportation experience. The taxi ranks are located just outside the terminal building, and you can negotiate the fare with the driver before your journey.
In summary, Rabil Airport offers a wide range of transportation options for travelers. Whether you prefer luxury or budget-friendly options, you will find something that suits your needs at the airport. So, next time you visit Boa Vista Island, make sure to check out all the available transportation options at Rabil Airport.
Parking Options at Rabil Airport
Rabil Airport provides a range of parking options for both short-term and long-term stays. The airport’s car park is located close to the terminal building, making it convenient for travelers who need quick and easy access to the airport.
There are two main parking options available at Rabil Airport: Short-term parking and Long-term parking. Short-term parking is ideal for those who are picking up or dropping off passengers and need to park their cars for a few hours. The rates for short-term parking are 150 CVE for the first hour and 50 CVE for each additional hour.
On the other hand, long-term parking is suitable for those who need to park their cars for a few days or more. The rates for long-term parking are 1,000 CVE per day. The longer you park, the cheaper the daily rate becomes.
In addition to these options, there are also special parking spaces reserved for disabled passengers and VIP parking spaces for travelers who require extra convenience and security.
Overall, Rabil Airport provides ample parking options at reasonable rates. Travelers can choose the parking option that best meets their needs and budget when arriving or departing from Rabil Airport.
Check-In Procedures at Rabil Airport
Rabil Airport offers three convenient check-in methods to ensure a smooth and hassle-free travel experience.
For travelers who prefer to check-in online, Rabil Airport provides an online check-in service that allows passengers to select their seats, print their boarding passes, and avoid long lines at the airport. This method is available up to 24 hours before departure and is particularly suitable for those traveling with hand luggage only.
For those who prefer a self-service option, Rabil Airport features multiple kiosks located throughout the terminal. These kiosks offer a quick and easy way to check-in, modify seat assignments, print boarding passes, and even check luggage.
Finally, for those who prefer a traditional check-in process, Rabil Airport provides counters staffed by friendly and knowledgeable agents. These counters are conveniently located throughout the terminal and offer assistance with baggage, seat selection, and other travel-related queries.
Overall, Rabil Airport’s check-in procedures cater to the needs of every traveler, whether they prefer checking in online, utilizing self-service kiosks, or engaging with airport staff. Regardless of the chosen method, Rabil Airport ensures that all passengers undergo a swift and seamless check-in process, allowing them to focus on enjoying their journey.
Ensuring Safe Travel: Security Measures and Tips
At Rabil Airport, security measures are in place to ensure the safety of all passengers. Passengers are required to go through a security check before boarding their flight. This includes going through metal detectors and having their belongings scanned.
It is important for passengers to arrive at the airport with plenty of time to go through security. It is also recommended that they wear clothing without metal buttons or accessories to avoid triggering the metal detector. Additionally, they should have their liquids and gels packed in a clear plastic bag, as per regulations.
Passengers should be prepared to remove their shoes, belts, and jackets when going through the security checkpoint. They should also have their boarding pass and identification documents readily available.
By following these tips and cooperating with airport security staff, passengers can help make the security process smoother and more efficient, and ensure a safe and comfortable journey.
Customs and Immigration at Rabil Airport
Arriving passengers at Rabil Airport must first fill out an immigration form and provide their passport and visa (if required). The immigration officer will ask a few questions and stamp the passport if everything is in order.
After clearing immigration, passengers proceed to the baggage claim area to collect their luggage. They may be subject to random screening by customs officers who will check for items that are prohibited or restricted.
Departing passengers must first check in their luggage before proceeding to the immigration counter. They must present their passport and any necessary travel documents (e.g. visa) before being allowed to go through security screening.
Once past the security checkpoint, passengers are free to roam the duty-free shops and restaurants until it is time for boarding. It is important to arrive at the airport with plenty of time to spare as customs and immigration procedures can take some time.
Amenities
- Free Wi-Fi throughout the airport
- Restaurants and cafes offering a variety of meals and beverages
- Duty-free shops for last-minute gifts and souvenirs
- ATMs and currency exchange services
- Car rental services for convenient transportation
- Lounges with comfortable seating and refreshments for VIP travelers
Accessibility Services
Rabil Airport offers a range of facilities and services for passengers with disabilities or mobility issues. These include wheelchair accessibility, handicap parking spaces, and accessible restrooms throughout the airport.
A dedicated team of trained staff is also available to assist passengers with disabilities from check-in to boarding, including those who require extra support during the flight. Passengers can request such assistance at the time of booking or by contacting the airport in advance.
In addition, Rabil Airport provides accessibility equipment, such as wheelchairs and walkers, free of charge to passengers who require them during their stay at the airport. All these services are designed to ensure that travelers with disabilities or mobility issues can have a comfortable and stress-free experience at Rabil Airport.
Connecting Flights at Rabil Airport
Connecting flights at Rabil Airport are easy to catch if you follow a few tips. First of all, make sure you have enough time between flights. It is recommended to have at least 2 hours between connecting flights.
If your connecting flight is with the same airline, your luggage will most likely be transferred automatically. However, it is always a good idea to confirm this with the airline staff. If your connecting flight is with a different airline, you will need to collect your checked luggage and check it in again.
After you have collected your luggage (if applicable), follow the signs for connecting flights. Make sure to arrive at your gate at least 30 minutes before departure time. If you are running late, inform the airline staff as soon as possible.
Overall, the process of catching a connecting flight at Rabil Airport is straightforward if you allow yourself enough time and pay attention to the signs and instructions from airline staff.
Baggage Claim and Lost Property
Upon arrival at Rabil Airport, passengers should proceed to the baggage claim area located near the exit. Bags are typically delivered on a conveyor belt and can be identified by baggage tags.
In the event that a bag is lost or damaged, passengers should report it immediately to the airline representative at the baggage service office located nearby. The representative will provide a reference number and guide passengers through the process of filing a claim and tracking their missing luggage.
Emergency and Medical Facilities
Rabil Airport is equipped with a team of highly trained emergency personnel who are on call 24/7 to respond to any emergency situations that may arise. In the event of an emergency, passengers can rest assured that they are in good hands.
The airport also has excellent medical facilities, including a modern medical center staffed by qualified medical personnel. The medical center is equipped with state-of-the-art equipment and facilities to handle all types of emergencies.
In addition, the airport has a well-stocked pharmacy where passengers can purchase over-the-counter medications as well as prescription drugs. There are also several ambulances on standby to transport passengers to nearby hospitals or other medical facilities if necessary.
Overall, passengers flying through Rabil Airport can be confident that their safety and health are of the utmost importance to the airport team and that they will receive the best possible care in case of an emergency.
Hotel Accommodations
There are several hotel accommodations available within a short distance from Rabil Airport.
The closest hotel is the Royal Horizon Boa Vista, which is only 1.5 km away from the airport.
Other hotels within a few kilometers of the airport include the Hotel Estoril and the Hotel Boa Vista.
For those looking for more luxurious options, the Iberostar Club Boa Vista and the Riu Touareg are both located within 20 km of the airport.
No matter which hotel you choose, you can enjoy easy access to the airport as well as comfortable accommodations during your stay in Boa Vista.
Useful Tips:
– Are you traveling with children? There is a play area located near Gate 7 that will keep them entertained.
– If you need to catch up on work, head to the business lounge on the second floor for quiet and comfortable workspace.
– Need to freshen up before your flight? There are showers available in the airport’s spa, located near Gate 12.
– Hungry or thirsty? Check out the food court located on the main level, where you can find a variety of options to satisfy any craving.
– Don’t forget to take advantage of the free Wi-Fi available throughout the airport to stay connected during your travels.
Contact Information
- For general airport information, call +238 251 1130 or email [email protected]
- For lost and found items, call +238 251 1130 or email [email protected]
- To contact immigration services, call +238 251 1491 or send an email to [email protected]
- If you need assistance from the medical center, call +238 323 5042 or send an email to [email protected]
- To report a maintenance issue, call +238 251 1130 or email [email protected]
Airports Near Rabil Airport
For travelers seeking alternative flight options or stopover destinations, there are a few other airports in the vicinity of Rabil Airport:
- Amílcar Cabral International Airport (SID) – located approximately 94 km north of Rabil Airport, this is the main international airport serving Cape Verde. There are regular flights connecting SID to cities in Europe and West Africa. Transportation options to reach SID from Rabil include private taxis, shared shuttles, or rental cars.
- Preguiça Airport (SNE) – located approximately 200 km east of Rabil Airport, this small regional airport primarily serves the island of São Nicolau. There are limited flights connecting SNE to other islands in Cape Verde. Transportation options to reach SNE from Rabil include private taxis, shared shuttles, or rental cars.
- Francisco Mendes International Airport (RAI) – located on the island of Santiago, approximately 406 km southeast of Rabil Airport, this is another major international airport serving Cape Verde. There are regular flights connecting RAI to cities in Europe, West Africa, and South America. Transportation options to reach RAI from Rabil include domestic flights, private taxis, shared shuttles, or rental cars.
It’s important to note that transportation options may vary depending on the time of day, season, and availability. It’s always best to research and book your transportation in advance to ensure a smooth and hassle-free journey.