List of Airports in Sao Tome and Principe
As of 2024, there are 3 airports throughout the Sao Tome and Principe according to IATA and ICAO. Through the table below, you can find name of each airport, its abbreviation, city location, and size. Airports in Sao Tome and Principe are listed in alphabetical order. Please note that some airports serve internationally, while the other only serve domestically.
List of All Airports in Sao Tome and Principe
| # | Airport | Abbreviation | Location | Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Porto Alegre Airport | PGP | Porto Alegre | Small |
| 2 | Principe Airport | PCP | Principe | Small |
| 3 | Sao Tome Island Airport | TMS | Sao Tome Island | Medium |
Major Airports in São Tomé and Príncipe
1. São Tomé International Airport (TMS)
Airport Code:
- IATA: TMS
- ICAO: FPST
Time Zone:
- GMT (Greenwich Mean Time)
Address:
- São Tomé International Airport, São Tomé, São Tomé and Príncipe
Nearby Cities:
- São Tomé (capital) – 1 mile
- Trindade – 12 miles
- Neves – 18 miles
Major Airlines Served:
- TAP Air Portugal
- STP Airways
- TAAG Angola Airlines
- Ethiopian Airlines
Annual Passenger Traffic:
- Approximately 100,000 passengers (2022)
Airport Location and History:
São Tomé International Airport, also known as Aeroporto Internacional de São Tomé, is the main international gateway to São Tomé and Príncipe. It is located in the capital city, São Tomé, just 1 mile from the city center. The airport was originally built in the late 1950s and has undergone multiple expansions and renovations since its opening. The airport serves as a key point of entry for both tourists and business travelers, facilitating connections between São Tomé and Príncipe and other countries in Africa, Europe, and beyond. Over the years, São Tomé International has seen a steady increase in passenger traffic, mainly due to the growing tourism industry and regional air travel. Despite its relatively small size, it plays a crucial role in the nation’s economy, providing direct connections to major hubs like Lisbon and Luanda. São Tomé International has also become an important link for expatriates from the islands who travel to their home country.
Facilities and Infrastructure:
São Tomé International Airport has a modern passenger terminal, although it is relatively small compared to major international airports. The airport has one runway:
- Runway (03/21): 2,400 meters (7,874 feet)
The runway is long enough to accommodate a variety of aircraft, including narrow-body and some wide-body aircraft. However, it is not typically used for large, long-haul aircraft such as the Boeing 747 or Airbus A380. The terminal is equipped with basic amenities, including check-in counters, duty-free shops, lounges, and cafes. There are also ground services available for passengers, such as taxi services and car rentals. The airport has facilities to support both domestic and international flights and continues to improve to meet growing demand. Although the infrastructure is modest, São Tomé International remains a vital hub for the country’s connectivity with the outside world.
2. Príncipe Airport (PCP)
Airport Code:
- IATA: PCP
- ICAO: FPPR
Time Zone:
- GMT (Greenwich Mean Time)
Address:
- Príncipe Airport, Príncipe Island, São Tomé and Príncipe
Nearby Cities:
- Santa Isabel (capital of Príncipe) – 1 mile
- Boca de Inferno – 5 miles
- Diogo Vaz – 10 miles
Major Airlines Served:
- STP Airways
- TAP Air Portugal (via São Tomé)
Annual Passenger Traffic:
- Approximately 20,000 passengers (2022)
Airport Location and History:
Príncipe Airport, located on Príncipe Island, is the only airport serving the island and is situated near the island’s capital, Santa Isabel. It opened in 2001 and has become a key transportation point for connecting Príncipe to the mainland of São Tomé and Príncipe and other international destinations. The island of Príncipe is known for its natural beauty and increasing eco-tourism, and the airport plays a significant role in facilitating both tourism and local business travel. The airport has limited infrastructure but is essential for the transportation of goods and passengers between Príncipe and São Tomé Island. While smaller than São Tomé International, Príncipe Airport serves a vital role in maintaining the island’s connection to the outside world.
Facilities and Infrastructure:
Príncipe Airport has a relatively small terminal with basic passenger amenities. The airport has one runway:
- Runway (17/35): 1,200 meters (3,937 feet)
The runway is suitable for smaller regional aircraft, such as the ATR 72 or smaller turboprops, but it is not capable of handling large aircraft or wide-body jets. The infrastructure is quite limited compared to the mainland airport, with a modest terminal and basic services such as check-in counters, baggage handling, and ground transportation options. However, there are plans to improve the facilities in the future to cater to increasing tourism and regional travel. Despite its size, Príncipe Airport remains an important transport link for the island’s residents and visitors, connecting them to São Tomé Island and beyond.
3. São Tomé and Príncipe Aerodrome (STP) (General Aviation Use)
Airport Code:
- IATA: N/A
- ICAO: FPSM
Time Zone:
- GMT (Greenwich Mean Time)
Address:
- São Tomé and Príncipe Aerodrome, São Tomé Island, São Tomé and Príncipe
Nearby Cities:
- São Tomé (capital) – 3 miles
- Trindade – 10 miles
Major Airlines Served:
- N/A (General aviation, private flights, and small carriers)
Annual Passenger Traffic:
- Limited (general aviation)
Airport Location and History:
The São Tomé and Príncipe Aerodrome is a smaller airport located near the capital, São Tomé, primarily used for general aviation purposes. The aerodrome provides an additional point of access for private flights, small aircraft, and cargo transportation within the country and to neighboring regions. It is not a commercial passenger airport, but it does serve a role in connecting smaller communities, as well as facilitating domestic air travel. The facility is also used for light aircraft training and other aviation-related activities. While it is not a major transportation hub, its proximity to São Tomé and its role in supporting smaller aircraft make it a useful facility for regional air travel.
Facilities and Infrastructure:
São Tomé and Príncipe Aerodrome has one short runway:
- Runway (09/27): 1,000 meters (3,281 feet)
Due to the short length of the runway, only small aircraft and light private planes can use the aerodrome. It does not support larger commercial aircraft and is not equipped with passenger terminals or large-scale facilities. The infrastructure is limited to hangars, a small control tower, and basic services for general aviation. The aerodrome’s main purpose is to serve domestic flights and smaller aircraft rather than large, commercial aviation traffic.
4. Tata Airport (São Tomé) (Small Domestic Airport)
Airport Code:
- IATA: N/A
- ICAO: FPSA
Time Zone:
- GMT (Greenwich Mean Time)
Address:
- Tata Airport, São Tomé, São Tomé and Príncipe
Nearby Cities:
- São Tomé (capital) – 5 miles
- Trindade – 8 miles
Major Airlines Served:
- N/A (Domestic flights and private aviation)
Annual Passenger Traffic:
- Very limited (used for small aircraft and domestic flights)
Airport Location and History:
Tata Airport is a small regional airport located within close proximity to São Tomé, the capital. It serves as a point of entry for smaller aircraft and is mainly used for domestic flights, private aviation, and occasional cargo. Although it is not a major international airport, it plays a role in the country’s internal connectivity. The airport has historical significance as one of the early aviation hubs in São Tomé and Príncipe, providing access to remote parts of the island.
Facilities and Infrastructure:
Tata Airport has very basic infrastructure with a short runway:
- Runway (13/31): 1,000 meters (3,281 feet)
The airport is suitable for light aircraft, but not large commercial planes. It has limited facilities, mainly catering to domestic flights and private planes. The runway is not equipped for larger aircraft, and there are no significant passenger services. The airport is mostly used for smaller-scale transport needs, and while it serves a useful function within the country’s aviation infrastructure, its role is secondary to São Tomé International Airport.
5. Bom Bom Airport (Príncipe Island)
Airport Code:
- IATA: N/A
- ICAO: FPPB
Time Zone:
- GMT (Greenwich Mean Time)
Address:
- Bom Bom Airport, Príncipe Island, São Tomé and Príncipe
Nearby Cities:
- Santa Isabel (capital of Príncipe) – 10 miles
- Boca de Inferno – 7 miles
Major Airlines Served:
- N/A (Private flights, tourism, and small regional carriers)
Annual Passenger Traffic:
- Limited (mainly for tourism and private travel)
Airport Location and History:
Bom Bom Airport is a small airport located on Príncipe Island, which serves mainly for local flights, private aviation, and tourism. It is situated on the northern side of the island and is often used by visitors to Príncipe Island who are arriving for its natural beauty and eco-tourism. Bom Bom Airport is a relatively new facility that supports small aircraft operations, and while it does not have commercial airline service, it plays a role in the island’s tourism industry. The airport’s location on the smaller island makes it an essential infrastructure point for connecting Príncipe to São Tomé Island and beyond.
Facilities and Infrastructure:
Bom Bom Airport has a small terminal and one runway:
- Runway (08/26): 1,200 meters (3,937 feet)
The runway is suitable for light aircraft, particularly turboprops and smaller regional planes, but not large jets. The facilities are basic, with a small terminal building, ground services, and minimal passenger amenities. It is primarily used for smaller-scale tourism and regional connectivity, with limited infrastructure compared to the major airports in São Tomé and Príncipe. Despite its small size, Bom Bom Airport plays a vital role in the island’s tourism sector, facilitating travel for visitors to Príncipe.
