Cape Verde Resumes Brazil Flights to Diversify Tourism
Cape Verde is set to revitalize its tourism sector and pivot away from its heavy reliance on European visitors with the return of direct flights to Brazil this May. After a six-year hiatus, the resumption of trans-Atlantic travel is expected to unlock significant business opportunities and a surge in passenger traffic across the Atlantic.
A Strategic Shift in Tourism
Marvela Rodrigues, president of the Cape Verdean association of travel agencies, believes the new route will fundamentally change the country’s tourism landscape. Speaking to Rádio de Cabo Verde (RCV), Rodrigues emphasized that Brazil represents a high-potential market that has remained largely untapped since regular flights ceased in 2020.
“It will strengthen bilateral tourism and facilitate the entry of Brazilian tourists into Cape Verde,” Rodrigues said. “This route can also help reduce dependence on the European market, which is one of the main impacts I foresee.”
Affordable Pricing to Drive Demand
The state-owned carrier, Cabo Verde Airlines (TACV), is positioning the route with competitive pricing to ensure high occupancy. Round-trip flights are starting at approximately 33,000 escudos (€299.28). Rodrigues described the pricing as “affordable” for both Cape Verdeans and Brazilians, suggesting that if demand remains strong, a second weekly flight could be added to the schedule shortly after launch.
The economic ripple effects are expected to reach far beyond the airport, with travel agencies forecasting a boost in revenue for hotels, restaurants, and the local retail sector. Beyond leisure travel, the route is aimed at Cape Verdean entrepreneurs looking to conduct business in the Brazilian northeast.
Operational Details and Safety Milestones
The direct connection between Praia and Recife is scheduled to officially launch on May 6. Initially, TACV will operate a weekly flight using a Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft. Plans are already in place to double the frequency to two weekly flights later in 2026.
This expansion was made possible following a critical safety milestone. In December 2025, the Civil Aviation Agency granted TACV ETOPS 120-minute certification. This technical approval allows the airline to operate long-haul trans-Atlantic flights, providing the necessary clearance to fly routes that are up to two hours away from an emergency landing site.
Preparing for a New Wave of Visitors
While the mood is optimistic, industry leaders are urging local businesses to prepare for the specific needs of the Brazilian market. “We must be prepared to receive them and ensure a pleasant and memorable experience that makes them want to return,” Rodrigues cautioned.
Before the service was interrupted in 2020 due to the global pandemic and restructuring, TACV operated successful links to several major Brazilian cities, including Fortaleza, Salvador, and Porto Alegre. The return to Recife marks the first step in reclaiming that former network.
Image: Pexels – Matheus Figueiredo
