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Domestic Flights within Cabo Verde

Search and book domestic flights in and around Cabo Verde

Aerial view of a beach in Santiago Island, Cabo Verde

Book domestic flights within Cabo Verde

Flying is the fastest way to get around Cabo Verde’s nine inhabited islands. With most journeys under an hour, domestic flights make it easy to explore the archipelago without long ferry rides.

At Alternative Airlines, you can search, compare and book inter-island flights in one place. See real-time schedules, choose trusted local airlines and split the cost with Buy Now Pay Later options.

We work with Cabo Verde Airlines (TACV), which connects Santiago, Sal, São Vicente, Boa Vista, Fogo, Maio and São Nicolau. While Brava and Santo Antão are ferry-only, flying is the most efficient way to reach the rest.

Why book with Alternative Airlines?

Flying to visit family, explore volcanic peaks or hop between islands? Alternative Airlines makes booking domestic flights in Cabo Verde simple, secure and flexible.

A plane taking off with tropical trees below it

Domestic airlines in Cabo Verde

With islands spread across hundreds of kilometres, flying is a vital part of getting around Cabo Verde. Domestic airlines connect Santiago with other key islands, making it possible to reach remote destinations in under an hour.

At Alternative Airlines, you can book with Cabo Verde’s trusted domestic carrier:

  • Cabo Verde Airlines (TACV) - The national airline of Cabo Verde, TACV operates all domestic routes using ATR 72 turboprop aircraft. Flights run between major islands including Santiago, Sal, São Vicente, Boa Vista, Fogo, Maio and São Nicolau. The airline is steadily improving reliability and expanding its network as demand grows.
  • A new state-owned airline, CVSky, is also preparing to enter the domestic market. Created to strengthen inter-island air travel, it will gradually take over routes from TACV.

All domestic flights available through Alternative Airlines can be booked with local or international payment methods, including flexible Buy Now Pay Later options.

A plane at an airport gate at dusk

Airports in Cabo Verde

Despite its size, Cabo Verde has a well-connected airport network that supports fast and efficient island travel. These are the key airports to know when planning domestic flights:

  • Nelson Mandela International Airport (RAI) - Located in Praia on Santiago Island, this is the country’s main domestic hub. Most inter-island routes connect here, making it a central stopover for multi-island trips.
  • Amílcar Cabral International Airport (SID) - Based on Sal Island, this is the busiest airport in Cabo Verde. It offers direct domestic flights to Santiago, São Vicente and Boa Vista, and is a popular arrival point for international travellers continuing their journey within the islands.
  • Cesária Évora International Airport (VXE) - Serving São Vicente, this airport links to Santiago and Sal. It’s also the gateway for those heading to Santo Antão by ferry from nearby Mindelo.
  • Aristides Pereira International Airport (BVC) - Found on Boa Vista, this airport connects with Santiago, Sal and São Vicente. It mainly serves travellers visiting the island’s resorts.

These four airports handle the majority of domestic flight traffic and are the best entry points for exploring Cabo Verde by air. All routes are available to book through Alternative Airlines with local and international payment options, including Buy Now Pay Later.

Sal Island, Cape Verde

Tips for domestic flights in Cabo Verde

Cabo Verde’s domestic flight network is growing, but it still comes with a few quirks. Here’s what to know before you book:

  • Build in flexibility - Flight schedules can change with short notice, especially on less busy routes. Delays of 1-3 hours are not uncommon, so avoid tight connections and leave buffer time before international departures.
  • Book early - Flights usually open for booking 3-5 months in advance. Seats on key routes (like Santiago to São Vicente or Sal) fill up fast, especially around holidays and festivals.
  • Use ferries as a backup - Some islands like Brava and Santo Antão have no airports and must be reached by sea. Even on routes with flights, ferries can be useful if schedules change.
  • Know your baggage limits - Most domestic flights allow 20-23kg of checked baggage and a small cabin bag. On ATR aircraft, larger cabin bags often need to be checked at the gate.
  • Arrive early - Check-in closes 40 minutes before departure, and airport processes can be slower than you might expect. Aim to arrive 60-90 minutes before your flight.
  • Complete EASE registration - Before flying to or within Cabo Verde, fill out the EASE form at least 5 days in advance to pay the security tax and speed up processing.
  • Travel light between islands - With short distances and smaller aircraft, packing light makes connections smoother and keeps excess baggage fees down.

With a little planning, flying between Cabo Verde’s islands is the most efficient way to see more of the country.

Ready to book your domestic flight in Cabo Verde?

Search and book inter-island flights across Cabo Verde in just a few clicks.
With trusted local airlines, 40+ flexible ways to pay and real support when you need it, Alternative Airlines makes flying between islands easy, secure and friction-free.

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Frequently asked questions

Do I need a passport for domestic flights in Cabo Verde?

No, you don't need a passport for domestic flights within Cabo Verde but you can use a passport as ID if you want to. To board your flight, you must present a valid and original identification document. This can be one of the following

  • Passport
  • UN passport
  • National citizen ID card
  • Magistrate ID card
  • Military ID card
  • National Police ID card
  • National driving licence
  • National ID card for foreign citizen
  • National ID Card (CNI)
How early do I need to arrive for domestic flights in Cabo Verde?

Check-in counters close 40 minutes before scheduled flight departure time. So it's recommended you arrive well in advance to that. We recommend arriving no later than 90 minutes before scheduled flight departure time if you need to check-in at the airport and no later than 60 minutes before scheduled flight departure time if you've checked-in online.

Can I book domestic flights within Cape Verde online?

Yes, you can book domestic flights within Cape Verde online at Alternative Airlines by using our search form. We offer flights from TICV, which is the only airline that currently flies within the Cape Verde islands.