Cape Verde Resumes Direct Flights to Brazil after 6 Years
Cape Verde is officially re-establishing its aerial bridge to Brazil today, marking the end of a six-year hiatus in direct flights between the two nations. The state-owned carrier, TACV (Cabo Verde Airlines), is spearheading the move with a new route connecting the capital city of Praia to Recife, in Brazil’s northeast.
Strengthening Mid-Atlantic Connectivity
The official launch ceremony is being held at the government palace in Recife, presided over by Cape Verde’s Minister of Tourism and Transport, José Luís Sá Nogueira. Scheduled to begin regular operations in May, the route will initially feature one weekly flight utilizing a Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft. Government officials have already confirmed plans to increase this to two weekly frequencies by the end of 2026.
The Ministry of Tourism and Transport highlighted that this connection is more than just a convenience for travelers; it is a strategic move to position Cape Verde as a vital air hub in the Mid-Atlantic. “From Praia, passengers will have easier access to destinations in Europe and Africa through efficient connections,” the Ministry stated, adding that the route will also bolster bilateral trade and cargo transport.
A Strategic Recovery
The return to the Brazilian market follows a significant regulatory milestone. In December 2025, Cape Verde’s Civil Aviation Agency (AAC) granted TACV the 120-minute ETOPS certification. This technical approval is crucial, as it authorizes the airline to operate transatlantic flights with its own fleet, ensuring the safety and operational capacity required for long-haul overwater routes.
Prior to the disruption of services in 2020, Cabo Verde Airlines maintained a robust presence in Brazil, with regular flights to Fortaleza, Recife, Salvador, and Porto Alegre. The relaunch in Recife is seen as the first step in reclaiming that market share and boosting the archipelago’s tourism sector by promoting it as a premier stopover destination for international travelers.
Image: Pexels – Rafael Minguet Delgado
