Cabo Verde Airlines
Cape Verde’s scheduled flag carrier, linking the archipelago’s islands with destinations in Europe, West Africa and the Americas.
About Cabo Verde Airlines
Cabo Verde Airlines is the flag carrier of Cape Verde, operating under the IATA code VR and ICAO code TCV. Its history begins with TACV, established in 1958 to provide air links within the archipelago. The carrier later adopted the Cabo Verde Airlines identity, reflecting a broader international role. It is state-owned and remains closely associated with the country’s transport and tourism sectors.
Praia is the airline’s busiest departure hub, followed by Sal, Lisbon, Sao Vicente and Boa Vista. Its network comprises 42 routes serving 15 destinations across 9 countries. Services connect the Cape Verde islands with Portugal and other European markets, nearby West African capitals, and cities across the Atlantic, including Boston and Fortaleza. Domestic links also help connect the archipelago’s principal islands.
Aircraft types associated with Cabo Verde Airlines include the ATR 42 and ATR 72 turboprop families, together with Boeing 737, 737-800, 757 and 767 jets. These types reflect both its regional and longer-range operations over time. Cabin arrangements and onboard inclusions can vary by aircraft, route and fare, so passengers should review the conditions attached to their specific booking.
Cabo Verde Airlines is not a member of Star Alliance, SkyTeam or Oneworld. This limits the alliance-wide earning, redemption and reciprocal status benefits available on many larger network carriers. The airline does not currently have a widely established frequent-flyer programme whose details can be stated with confidence, so travellers should check its official website for any current loyalty arrangements or partner benefits.
The airline’s principal strength is the direct connectivity it provides between Cape Verde and overseas communities and tourism markets, including links that would otherwise require an additional connection. Its relatively small network and fleet can, however, leave fewer alternatives when schedules change or disruption occurs. Travellers making onward connections should allow a sensible buffer and monitor operating information before departure.
Good to know
Flying with Cabo Verde Airlines — what to expect
Check Fare Conditions
Baggage allowances and change conditions may differ by route and fare. Confirm the inclusions shown on your ticket before travelling, particularly for checked luggage.
Allow Connection Time
A smaller network can provide fewer same-day recovery options after disruption. Leave a comfortable margin when connecting between Cabo Verde Airlines services or onto another carrier.
Aircraft May Vary
Aircraft and cabin layouts can differ across regional and international services. Check the operating aircraft close to departure if seat selection or cabin features matter to you.
Monitor Your Flight
Review the airline’s flight information and your contact details before departure so schedule notifications can reach you. This is especially useful when travelling through an island airport with limited daily frequencies.
Verify Airport Details
Cape Verde itineraries may involve different islands and airports, so confirm the airport printed on every segment. Do not assume that Sal, Praia, Boa Vista and Sao Vicente are interchangeable gateways.
Network overview
Where Cabo Verde Airlines flies
Cabo Verde Airlines operates 42 routes to 15 destinations across 9 countries, its longest sector reaching Boston to Praia (5,451 km nonstop).
Destinations served
Cities Cabo Verde Airlines flies to, most-served first.
Main hubs
Busiest departure bases, by route count.
Fleet
Aircraft types on record for these routes.
Longest nonstop route
Boston → Praia
5,451 km · BOS → RAI
The longest sector in the Cabo Verde Airlines network, measured as the great-circle distance between the two airports.
Route data · TravelPayouts route data · updated 2026-07
Route network
Popular routes operated by Cabo Verde Airlines
Notable destinations on Cabo Verde Airlines's network.
VRPraiadirectVRSaldirectVRSao VicentedirectVRLisbondirectVRBoa VistadirectVRDakardirectVRParisdirectVRSao NicolaudirectVRAmsterdamdirectVRBissaudirectVRBostondirectVRFortalezadirectDestination list is indicative of Cabo Verde Airlines's network; see the airline's official route map for its complete, current schedule.
Reviews of Cabo Verde Airlines
TripAdvisor · 2020–2023- 51
- 43
- 32
- 24
- 140
What travellers flew
Counted from the 50 reviews below — a tally of the flights reviewed, with each chip carrying the average score those reviewers gave. Nothing here reads their prose or summarises what they said.
✓ marks a group averaging 7/10 or better, − one averaging 4/10 or worse, across at least three reviews.
Still waiting for my money back :(
I booked a flight from Santiago, Praia to Vicente, I paid everything but I didnt receive a confirmation. I did pay. So I contacted the customer service and they said they cancelled my flight. They were going to refund my money but after 2 weeks, they still… See more didnt do it. I want my money back. I didnt even fly with them, I had to fly with another airline...
See lessPosted February 2023 by Eva S
Return flight delay of almost 10 hours, missed connection flight, no refund for following costs (Hotel, new flight etc.)
I was on time on the Airport and everything started so relaxed on this SAT., 11'th, February 2023. Had to leave my HOTEL in Santa Maria by 8 AM, to be on the airport around 8.35 AM. The flight back to LISBOA was stated for 10.35 AM. When I arrived on the… See more airport, there were a lot of passengers already waiting on the CHECK-In control and nobody was allowed to proceed to the CHECK-IN counters. I was wondering what happens and at that time I was still relaxed... STILL. Once the entrance for the CHECK-in was open I queued there and it was all slow, but finally I came to the CHECK-IN counter and I was CHECKED-in. I heard people talking about a delay but there was no official information about it to all passengers. Some the passengers received an e-mail the night before, stating that the flight will be delayed and new BOARDING TIME will be around 5 pm (instead of 11:30 AM). Once I received the BOARDING pass it stated 5 pm and I was shocked and it was clear that I wil never ever get my connection flight on LISBOA airport back to ZRH, Switzerland. I went to the OFFICE of CABO VERDE Airline inside the airport and there was a Lady /clerk talking to other flight guests who complained about the situation and the Clerk filled out kind of a letter which states officially the delay of the flight and to use it for their travel insurence(es). As I had no travel insurence this time but as I thought it might can help, I also aksed for this "letter of confirming delay" and I got one. ALSO, when I ASK for any refund for the upcoming additional costs (HOTEL, Taxe, new flight etc.), the Lady smiled and told me that CABO VERDE Airline ist NOT RESPONSIBLE for any of this. At that time, I was still convinced that I can claim any costs including the € 600 for light delay (Act. 261/2014 EU law about flight rights) cause the Airline flew into the EU and onto an Airport inside the European Union. BUT: Unfortunately, the Airline needs to be based ALSO WITHIN THE E.U. and the Cabo Verde Airline is - of course - based on Cabo Verde (Santiago, PRAIA registered). Means, this is the reason why they don't care about their flight delays and cancellations cause the don't need to refund flight passengers by law. There are two things & th econclusion about this Airline: 1'st: Don't even book them!!! or IF you decide somehow to take the risk: 2'nd: make a TRAVEL INSURENCE against FLIGHT DELAYS or flight CANCELLATIONS (without giving any reason) (--> If you use KIWI.com e.g., they offer an insurence against flight delays for around 5,50 € per travel-day.) Otherwise you will find yourself missing connection flights or even book new flights and having extra and additional cost for Taxi, Hotel, trains etc.
See lessPosted February 2023 by Chris-Chris, Dornbirn
Cancelled flight
I missed my next flight home, had to book another expensive flight last minute, and an expensive hotel that night. NO ANY COMPENSATION OFFERED. Never again
Posted December 2022 by Maria S
Flight cancelled but not refunded since 2 years and half
Hello, We have booked 3 flights (reservation number :QR705, QR77B, QR78S) from paris to cabo verde in April 2020. Since more than 2 years and half, we have not receive any refund despite several reminders calls mails !! I don't recommand this company Best… See more regards, Otman
See lessPosted November 2022 by Otman
Worst Experience With Any Travel Provider
Much like others, we booked a flight with Cabo Verde Airlines for travel in June 2020, but it was cancelled due to COVID-19. We had some other travel cancelled due to the pandemic and most other vendors were quite easy to work with - not Cabo Verde Airlines.… See more They offered us a voucher and stated that we could receive a refund if not used within a year. Now, we have been trying to receive the refund for over a year. They are not very responsive and when they do respond it's always another excuse for why they cannot provide the refund. They even requested banking information to send the refund as they said they could not refund it to my credit card. I reluctantly provided them an account to post the refund and months later I am still waiting for it. As I trusted that they would honor the refund after the year, I cannot even ask my credit card company to fight the charges as it is too late. If anyone else has found a way to obtain their money that was stolen by Cabo Verde Airlines, please let me know! Regardless of how good the fare might look, I suggest you steer clear if this airline!
See lessPosted June 2022 by kdarrell
No Customer Service by Phone!
Tried to reach anyone via the airline's Customer Service phone number, but the greeting says I must leave a message. Now 12 hours later, no one has bothered to call me back!
Posted August 2020 by JohnnyUS, Washington DC
Traveller reviews originally published on TripAdvisor, shown for reference — service standards may have changed since. Originfacts does not edit or verify individual reviews, and the sample reflects who chose to leave one.
More from Cape Verde
Other airlines based in Cape Verde
FAQ
Cabo Verde Airlines — frequently asked questions
Quick answers to the details travellers usually check first, from codes and locations to the practical basics that help with planning.
8 common questions
- The longest route is Boston to Praia, covering about 5,451 km nonstop.
- Originfacts compares live fares from hundreds of airlines and travel agencies via its partner Travelpayouts. Originfacts never adds a fee.
- Praia is Cabo Verde Airlines’s busiest departure hub. Sal, Lisbon, Sao Vicente and Boa Vista are also important points in its network.
- Cabo Verde Airlines serves exactly 15 destinations across 9 countries, operating 42 routes.
- Fares are often lower when booked outside Cape Verde’s busiest holiday and festival periods and when travel dates are flexible. Compare nearby dates and book earlier for limited-frequency international routes.
- The airline’s busiest departure points, ranked by the number of routes, are Praia, Sal, Lisbon, Sao Vicente and Boa Vista.
- Cabin-baggage limits can depend on the fare, route and operating aircraft. Check the allowance printed in your booking or the current baggage guidance on Cabo Verde Airlines’s official website before departure.
- Cabo Verde Airlines serves domestic points in Cape Verde and international destinations in Europe, West Africa and the Americas. Notable destinations include Lisbon, Dakar, Paris, Amsterdam, Bissau, Boston and Fortaleza.