Transport in Cape Verde

Even though there are boats that go between the islands, most locals and tourist prefer to take internal flights. In Cape Verde internal flights do not take very long. Usually 15-45 minutes. Some islands are so close that you have barely the time to go up that you start coming down!

The planes seat about 48 people, but they are modern and very comfortable. As the distance between the islands is so small the planes never go to high altitude. This allows you to see the most fabulous views of the Cape Verdean islands. You can take lots of photos!

Flights to Maio typically go from Santiago. Boa Vista is easily accessed with a short flight from Sal. Flights between Sao Vicente, Sal and Santiago are quite frequent.

The two islands that are currently not served by domestic flights are Brava and Santo Antão. Brava is reached by boat from Fogo. Santo Antão is accessed by boat from Sao Vicente.

If you are planning an island hoping trip, it is well advised that you contact a travel agent to arrange all the internal flights before you go. We would recommend:

•  Cape Verde Jetaway

•  Cape Verde Travel

TACV, Cabo Verde Airlines, is the national flag carrier of the Cape Verde Republic. It does scheduled flights between the islands as well destinations to Europe, North America, South America and Africa.

Its main base is Sal, but TACV also has a transport hub at Praia Airport on Santiago. TACV stands for "Transportes Aéreos de Cabo Verde" meaning Air Transportation of Cape Verde in Portuguese.

The airline was established in 1958 and is owned by the Cape Verde government. In July 1975, following independence, the airline was designated as the national carrier and became a public company in 1983. It employs around 800 staff.

The airline has a tailfin logo which is a blue wing with 7 lines, that represents a flying plane. The TACV letters are coloured in red and the letter T hovers over the letters ACV.

TACV operates a small but modern and reliable fleet of turboprop aircraft and jets. It currently has 3 turboprops ATR 42s and two jets Boeing 757-200-ERs.

Praia Airport, which was opened to international flights on September 2005, caters mainly to the Cape Verdean population that settled in the developed world, principally the US.

Sal Airport, which previously handled all international flights, currently serves mainly the tourist industry of Sal Island.

Boa Vista opened its new international airport in November 07. Sao Vicente should have its new airport in mid to late 2008.

Transport in Cape Verde – last updated June 2008