Cabo Verde Airlines Resumes Direct U.S. Flights to Providence
Cape Verde’s national flag carrier, Transportes Aéreos de Cabo Verde (TACV), has officially announced the return of direct flights to the United States. Operations under the Cabo Verde Airlines brand are scheduled to begin on May 4, marking a significant milestone for the archipelago’s transatlantic connectivity.
Connecting the Diaspora
During a press conference held Monday in the capital city of Praia, airline officials confirmed that the initial route will link Praia directly to Providence, Rhode Island. This connection is strategically vital, as Rhode Island and neighboring Massachusetts are home to the largest Cape Verdean diaspora communities in the United States.
“Starting May 4, we resume the Praia – Providence connection, strengthening the link with our diaspora in the U.S.,” the company stated. The airline also highlighted a timely incentive for travelers: the route will provide a key transport link for fans supporting the Cape Verdean national team as they head to the 2026 World Cup.
Expanded Schedule and Strategic Hub Goals
The service will launch with one weekly flight for the first 30 days. According to Eunice Barbosa, TACV’s commercial director, the airline will ramp up operations quickly. “Starting June 5, a second frequency will begin,” Barbosa said, noting that the expanded schedule will also include service to the island of Sal.
The resumption of U.S. flights is part of a broader vision to transform Cape Verde into a strategic mid-Atlantic air hub. By bridging the gap between North America, Africa, and South America, the carrier aims to streamline travel between the U.S., Brazil, and the West African coast.
A Growing Network
This announcement follows closely on the heels of the airline’s recent expansion into the South American market. Just two weeks ago, TACV announced it would begin a new transatlantic route between Praia and Recife, Brazil, operating once per week.
With these new routes, the state-owned carrier signal its commitment to reclaiming its position as a vital link in international aviation, prioritizing both the needs of its citizens abroad and the growth of its tourism and transit sectors.
Image: Pexels – Yahye Somali
