One of Africa’s most strategically significant transatlantic air routes is coming back to life. Cabo Verde Airlines has confirmed it will resume direct flights between Praia, the capital of Cabo Verde, and Recife, a key port city in northeastern Brazil.
This means ending a near six-year suspension and reopening a vital air bridge between West Africa and South America.
Cabo Verde Airlines is set to relaunch its direct flight service between Praia and Recife starting May 2, 2026 — a milestone in the airline’s strategy to enhance connectivity between Africa and Brazil, offering increased opportunities for both tourism and business travel across the Atlantic.
The twice-weekly service will be operated by Boeing 737 aircraft, aimed at improving West Africa–Brazil connectivity for both business and leisure travellers.
What Made the Comeback Possible
The resumption follows the re-issuance of necessary operating permissions, including Extended Range Twin Operations certification (ETOPS) which is crucial for over-water flights, ensuring the aircraft is operated in a safe and reliable manner across the Atlantic.
Why This Route Matters
Brazil and West Africa share deep cultural, historical, and economic ties rooted in centuries of Atlantic interaction — making this route far more than a commercial aviation decision.
The resumption of direct flights between Praia and Recife is expected to significantly benefit both tourism flows and trade links between West Africa and Brazil, with Cabo Verde Airlines positioning itself as a key player in bridging these two regions and offering both Brazilian and African travellers a reliable route to connect with important markets across the Atlantic.
A Catalyst for Deeper Ties
For travel operators in sub-Saharan Africa, the route opens exciting new opportunities to capitalise on growing demand for transatlantic connections making it easier than ever to package West African destinations alongside Brazil’s beaches, culture, and commerce.
The long-term impact of this route extends well beyond passenger numbers it is expected to act as a catalyst for more transatlantic flight options, fostering deeper tourism connections and more dynamic trade links between Africa and South America for years to come.
