EasyJet Strands 130 in Cape Verde: Medical Concerns Grow
More than 130 travelers found their island paradise transformed into a travel nightmare this week after EasyJet canceled a flight from Boa Vista, Cape Verde, to Porto, Portugal. The cancellation has left dozens of passengers stranded, with some reporting they are running out of essential medications for chronic conditions.
Flight Grounded by European Storms
EasyJet flight 6872 was scheduled to depart Tuesday morning at 10:00 local time. However, the airline confirmed the flight could not operate because the designated aircraft was held in Basel, Switzerland, the previous day due to severe weather and air traffic control restrictions in Central Europe.
While some passengers were notified via text message on Monday night, many others arrived at the airport only to discover their plans had collapsed. In a statement to Lusa, EasyJet noted that passengers were offered free transfers to the next available flights or full refunds. However, in the isolated archipelago of Cape Verde, “available flights” are often few and far between.
Stranded and Running Out of Meds
Abel Fernandes, a 32-year-old Portuguese national on vacation, described a scene of confusion and silence from the airline. “From EasyJet, still zero responses,” Fernandes said. While the airline provided hotel accommodation, he noted that many passengers are desperate to get home, not sit in a resort.
Of greater concern is the health of those left behind. Fernandes reported that several stranded passengers are nearly out of critical prescriptions for diabetes and hypertension. While unofficial reports suggest a rescue flight might not arrive until September 1, the airline has yet to confirm a firm date for a recovery operation.
Passengers Forced to Pay Their Own Way
Frustrated by the lack of communication, some travelers have taken matters into their own hands. Fernandes and his companions managed to book a detour through London at their own expense, hoping to finally reach Porto today. Others have utilized travel agencies back in Portugal to find seats on different carriers.
EasyJet maintains that passengers who arrange their own alternative travel will be reimbursed for “reasonable expenses.” However, many travelers currently stuck in Boa Vista say they are being forced to front hundreds of Euros without any guarantee of when they will be repaid.
A Growing Tourism Hub Faces Growing Pains
EasyJet only recently expanded its footprint in Cape Verde, launching service to Boa Vista in October 2025. This expansion is part of a broader tourism boom for the nation, which saw 1.2 million visitors in 2025—a 6% increase from the previous year.
Tourism now accounts for over 70% of Cape Verde’s exports, making reliable air links vital to the local economy. For the 100-plus passengers currently waiting for news in Boa Vista hotels, however, the priority isn’t economic data—it’s getting a seat on a plane home.
Image: Pexels – Drinu Cutajar
