Amílcar Cabral International Airport, International airport in Espargos, Cape Verde
Amílcar Cabral International Airport is a commercial hub on Sal island, serving Cape Verde with a runway stretching roughly 3000 meters and parking space for seven large jets. Positioned about two kilometers from Espargos, the terminal handles regular intercontinental traffic throughout the year.
Italy built the terminal in 1939 to support transatlantic journeys between Europe and South America. Airlines including Alitalia soon began scheduled stopovers, using aircraft such as the DC-4 for refueling on long routes.
Named after Amílcar Cabral, who led the independence movement, the terminal connects islanders with relatives abroad through flights reaching several continents. The routes serve as lifelines for families separated by the ocean, keeping cultural and personal bonds alive across great distances.
From the arrivals hall, you can take taxis, shared rides called aluguer, or rent a car to reach Santa Maria via road EN1-SL01. The journey takes around half an hour, crossing the island from north to south.
NASA designated the site as a backup landing strip for space shuttle missions, reflecting the runway length and remote Atlantic position. This role placed the small island on the list of emergency options for spacecraft returning from orbit.
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