Agostinho Neto Airport (NTO)

Agostinho Neto Airport is a small airfield on the northern tip of Santo Antão, near Ponta do Sol in Cape Verde. It was named after Agostinho Neto and once provided a short regional air link between Santo Antão and other islands, particularly São Vicente. The airport is no longer used for scheduled passenger flights.

The airfield has a single small terminal and a short asphalt runway, reflecting its former role as a regional connection point. For safety reasons, including difficult wind and weather conditions and the 1999 crash of TACV Flight 5002, the airport was closed to commercial traffic. Santo Antão currently has no operational airport.

Located close to Ponta do Sol, the site sits within a rugged coastal and mountain landscape. Because regular air service is not available, most travelers reach Santo Antão by flying into Cesária Évora Airport (VXE) on São Vicente and then taking the ferry from Mindelo to Porto Novo, a crossing of about one hour. From Porto Novo, taxis, shared aluguer vans, and pre-arranged transfers connect to Ponta do Sol, Ribeira Grande, Paul Valley and other destinations.

Travel on the island is primarily by road, and private transfers or rental cars can be arranged for more flexible journeys. While Agostinho Neto Airport no longer functions as a passenger gateway, its former terminal remains a local landmark near Ponta do Sol, and plans for a new Santo Antão airport have been discussed for a site near Porto Novo.