TACV Restores Direct Praia-Recife Flights to Brazil
Cabo Verde Airlines (TACV) is officially resuming its transatlantic presence with the return of direct flights between the capital city of Praia and Recife, Brazil. The state-owned carrier confirmed the news via social media on Monday, marking a major milestone in the airline’s post-pandemic recovery.
While the airline declared it is “ready to reconnect stories,” specific details regarding flight frequencies, schedules, and ticket pricing have not yet been released. Currently, the airline’s booking portal only displays departures originating from Praia bound for the Brazilian coastal city.
A Strategic Transatlantic Link
The restoration of this route follows a key regulatory milestone. In December 2025, Cabo Verde’s Civil Aviation Agency (AAC) granted the airline a 120-minute ETOPS (Extended-range Twin-engine Operational Performance Standards) certification. This technical approval is critical, as it allows TACV to operate its own fleet on long-haul transatlantic routes, significant increasing its operational independence and capacity.
Prior to the global aviation shutdown in 2020, Cabo Verde Airlines maintained a robust Brazilian network, connecting the archipelago to Fortaleza, Recife, Salvador, and Porto Alegre. The revival of the Recife route is seen as the first step in reclaiming that regional influence.
Economic and Cultural Impact
The announcement fulfills a recent promise made by Prime Minister Ulisses Correia e Silva, who revealed in February that the airline was finalizing procedures to bridge the two nations once again.
According to the Prime Minister, the Praia-Recife connection is more than just a commercial flight; it is a strategic maneuver designed to strengthen national connectivity, bring the Cape Verdean diaspora closer to home, and provide a much-needed boost to the national economy through increased tourism and trade.
Image: Pexels – Matheus Figueiredo
