Aristides Pereira International Airport

Overview

Aristides Pereira International Airport (IATA: BVC, ICAO: GVBA) is the primary air gateway to the island of Boa Vista in Cape Verde. Named after the country’s first president, the airport handles mostly seasonal charter flights from Europe, bringing holidaymakers to Boa Vista’s famous white-sand beaches and resorts. It also serves domestic flights linking to other islands, particularly Sal and Praia. Though relatively small, the airport is modern and efficiently manages the flow of tourists during peak seasons. It operates primarily during daylight hours, with flight schedules concentrated around midday.

Location & Access

The airport is located near the town of Rabil, about 5 kilometres (3 miles) west of Boa Vista’s main settlement, Sal Rei. The airport’s single terminal is well connected to the island’s road network. Most visitors arrive as part of package holidays, so pre-arranged transfers or hotel shuttles are common. Taxis are readily available outside the arrivals hall; the journey to Sal Rei takes about 10 minutes, and to the southern resort area of Chaves around 20 minutes. Car rental desks operate inside the terminal, though advance booking is recommended during peak months. The island has a single main road that runs along the coast, making navigation straightforward.

Facilities

The terminal provides essential services to ensure a comfortable transit. For passengers with reduced mobility, the airport offers a wheelchair-accessible car park, entrance, and toilets. Baggage storage is available, useful for those with early arrivals or late departures who want to explore without luggage. Clean, well-maintained toilets are located throughout the terminal, including baby changing facilities. There are no extensive shopping or dining options; a small café sells drinks and snacks. Wi-Fi may be limited, so downloading entertainment beforehand is wise. The check-in and baggage claim areas are compact, and the security screening is efficient.

About the Region

Boa Vista is the easternmost island of Cape Verde and is renowned for its pristine beaches, dunes, and turquoise waters. The island’s name means “good view,” and its landscape is flat and arid, with vast stretches of sand along the coast. Tourism is the main industry, with all-inclusive resorts catering to sun-seeking Europeans. The island is also a nesting site for loggerhead turtles, and conservation tours are popular. The capital, Sal Rei, offers local markets, colourful colonial architecture, and a handful of restaurants. Other attractions include the Viana Desert (a small area of sand dunes), the Santa Monica beach (one of the longest in Cape Verde), and the historic ruins of the old salt works. The airport’s role is crucial in supporting the island’s economy, as the vast majority of visitors arrive by air.

Practical Information

• Hours: The airport is not open 24 hours; it operates based on flight schedules. Typically, the terminal opens about two hours before the first departure and closes after the last arrival. Peak hours are around 11:00 and 12:00, when most flights depart.
• Contact: Phone +238 251 10 70; website: https://www.asa.cv/web/guest/e/aeroporto/29087/37673
• Currency: The Cape Verdean escudo (CVE) is used; there is no currency exchange inside the terminal, so plan ahead or withdraw in Sal Rei. Credit cards are accepted at most hotels but less so elsewhere.
• Nearby accommodation: Several hotels and guesthouses are within 10 minutes’ drive, mostly in Sal Rei or along the coast. For late arrivals or early departures, staying near the airport can reduce stress.
• Transport: Taxis are metered or fixed price; agree on the fare before departing. Rental cars are available but driving is on the right, though road conditions vary. Bicycles and quad bikes can also be rented in town.
• Departure tips: Allow at least 90 minutes before a flight, as the check-in and security queues can build up. Duty-free shopping is limited, but you can purchase local rum or souvenirs at the small shop after security.