São Tomé International Airport

Location: São Tomé International Airport is located on the island of São Tomé, which, along with Príncipe, makes up the Democratic Republic of São Tomé and Príncipe. The airport lies approximately 5 kilometers from the capital city São Tomé, and is situated in the northeastern part of the island, near the ocean.

Size: The airport has a relatively small size in comparison to major international hubs, but it serves as the primary gateway to the country for international travelers. The terminal facilities can accommodate the passenger traffic for the island, providing basic amenities such as check-in desks, a departure lounge, and baggage handling services.

Runways: The airport has a single runway, 11/29, which is approximately 2,220 meters (7,283 feet) in length. The runway is capable of handling medium-sized aircraft and is equipped with the necessary navigational aids to assist in aircraft landings and takeoffs.

Flights: São Tomé International Airport provides flights to several destinations, primarily to other African nations and Portugal. Airlines such as TAP Air Portugal, STP Airways, and Africa's Connection STP operate in and out of the airport. TAP Air Portugal, for instance, has regular flights connecting São Tomé with Lisbon. Regional flights may connect São Tomé to other neighboring countries like Gabon, Angola, and Cape Verde.

By travellers: São Tomé airport reviews

Travelers have offered a mosaic of experiences at this small and charming airport. Many visitors mention a slow, sometimes chaotic check-in process and a lack of modern technology, which harks back to a less hurried time but may be frustrating for those accustomed to swifter operations. 

They describe a journey into an earlier era of travel where procedures are manual and computers at check-in counters are scarce, affecting the efficiency of these operations. Delays have been noted, and some travellers face language barriers, which can complicate communication.

On a brighter note, the airport has its peculiar charm, with a friendly and accommodating staff that seems to be more approachable if you speak the local language. It's appreciated for its small size, which can make for a speedy security check when the system is functioning well. Some travellers have mentioned small shops within the airport offering a broad selection of gifts, and despite limited facilities, there is a comforting sense of community spirit around the place.

It's noted that the airport's runway is noticeably short and may pose a challenge during landing, but skilled pilots appear to manage this deftly. The proximity to the city makes it a convenient entry point for exploring local attractions.

However, issues such as outdated sanitary facilities, lack of quality in some services, organization challenges, and the presence of a somewhat neglected tarmac have been cited as drawbacks. Yet the simplicity and efficiency can be a relief to some, with cafes open for business and free internet access offering a modicum of modern connectivity.

While it's clear that the airport has several areas in need of improvement, perhaps most significant among the reports is the recurring theme of friendly staff. This accentuates the idea that warmth and personal attention can sometimes offset the negative aspects of a traveler's experience. Overall, visitors seem to embrace the airport as part of their unique travel adventure, viewing its slower pace and smaller size as quaint and characterful—though certainly not without its fair share of frustrations.