Traveling by plane between the Cabo Verde Islands

Inter-Island flights in Cabo Verde: explore the whole archipelago

In Cabo Verde, you can travel by air between 7 of the 9 inhabited islands. Inter-island flights are facilitated by 4 international airports and 3 airstrips. The exceptions are Santo Antão and Brava, which are only accessible by sea, via boats and ferries.

The 4 international airports in Cabo Verde that receive flights are:

• Amílcar Cabral International Airport, Sal Island
• Nelson Mandela International Airport, Santiago Island
• Aristides Pereira International Airport, Boa Vista Island
• Cesária Évora International Airport, São Vicente Island

In addition to these, there are 3 regional airstrips:

Preguiça Airfield on São Nicolau Island, positioned between Ribeira Brava, Caleijão, and Preguiça, with a 1,400m by 23m runway. It serves an island renowned for its mountains and cultural heritage.

Maio Airfield, operational since 2005, with a 1,200m by 30m runway, offers access to this tranquil island known for its paradisiacal beaches.

São Filipe Airfield on Fogo Island, with a 1,500m by 30m runway, is less than 2 km from the capital, serving an island famous for its towering volcano and rich history.

Inter-island flights in Cabo Verde are primarily operated by Bestfly, offering around 72 flights per week. With Bestfly, you can travel between the following islands:

• Maio to Santiago;
• Fogo to Santiago;
• Santiago to Boa Vista, Fogo, Maio, Sal, São Nicolau, São Vicente;
• Boa Vista to Santiago;
• Sal to Santiago, São Nicolau, São Vicente;
• São Nicolau to Sal, Santiago;
• São Vicente to Sal, Santiago.

Duration of inter-island flights in Cabo Verde

Flight times between the islands vary between 20 and 45 minutes, depending on the specific route.

The longest flight is from São Vicente to Santiago, taking approximately 40–45 minutes.

Ticket reservation

Booking tickets in advance for inter-island flights is recommended, especially during the high season (June to October), when demand for inter-island flights increases significantly.

Tickets for flights between the Cape Verde islands can be booked online, on the airline's website, at local travel agencies or directly at the airports.

Check-in and boarding

Generally, the check-in process is quick and efficient, but it’s advisable to arrive at the airport at least an hour before your flight. Security procedures in Cabo Verde follow international standards, ensuring a safe journey.

Tips for a smooth journey

To ensure a smooth flight between the islands of Cabo Verde, it’s recommended to:

• Always check flight times and possible changes;
• Keep travel documents and ID easily accessible;
• Stay hydrated and wear comfortable clothing, especially for children and the elderly;
• Explore transport options from the airport or airfield to your destination or accommodation.

Some natural beauties can only be discovered through maritime connections. For instance, Santo Antão, with its scenic nature trails, and Brava, known for its beautiful landscapes and the stunning natural pools of Fajã d’Água, are accessible only by sea.