TACVVR

TACV Cabo Verde Airlines (Transportes Aereos de Cabo Verde) is the flag carrier of Cabo Verde (Cape Verde), an archipelago nation of ten volcanic islands in the central Atlantic Ocean, approximately 570 km off the West African coast. Founded in 1958 during Portuguese colonial rule, TACV is one of Africa's oldest airlines and has served as the essential air link connecting the scattered islands of this Atlantic nation.

The airline operates from dual hubs at Amilcar Cabral International Airport (SID) on Sal Island and Nelson Mandela International Airport (RAI) in Praia, the capital on Santiago Island. TACV provides critical inter-island connectivity for Cabo Verde's population of approximately 600,000 people spread across nine inhabited islands, as well as international connections primarily to Portugal and other destinations serving the significant Cabo Verdean diaspora.

Current Operational Status: TACV has experienced significant financial difficulties and operational challenges in recent years. The airline underwent a rebranding to "Cabo Verde Airlines" in 2017 and subsequent restructuring. Operations have been limited and subject to change. Before booking, travelers should verify current route availability and operational status directly with the airline or check recent news reports.

TACV is not a member of any major airline alliance. The fleet has historically consisted of ATR 72 turboprops for inter-island service and Boeing 757 aircraft for long-haul routes to Europe, though fleet status may have changed during restructuring.

Important Notice: Due to ongoing operational changes, baggage policies may vary. Confirm current allowances when booking and at check-in.

Carry-On Allowance

Personal Item (all fares):

• Dimensions: 40 x 30 x 15 cm (15.7 x 11.8 x 5.9 in)
• Must fit under seat in front of you
• Examples: Small backpack, handbag, laptop bag

Cabin Bag (all fares):

• Dimensions: 55 x 40 x 20 cm (21.6 x 15.7 x 7.8 in) including handles and wheels
• Weight limit: 8 kg (17.6 lbs)
• ATR 72 overhead bins are smaller than jet aircraft—pack accordingly

Route Type	Personal Item	Cabin Bag	Notes
Inter-island	Included	Included (1)	8 kg max
International Economy	Included	Included (1)	8 kg max
International Business	Included	Included (2)	8 kg max each

Checked Baggage

Standard Size: 158 cm (62 in) linear dimensions maximum (length + width + height)

Inter-Island Flights (ATR 72):

Cabin	Bags Included	Additional Bag	Weight Limit
Economy	1	30 EUR ($33)	23 kg (50 lbs)

Note: ATR 72 aircraft have limited cargo capacity. During peak travel periods, oversized or heavy bags may be bumped to later flights.

International Flights:

Cabin Class	Bags Included	Additional Bag	Weight Limit
Economy	1	60 EUR ($65)	23 kg (50 lbs)
Business	2	60 EUR ($65)	32 kg (70 lbs) each

Currency Notes:

• Baggage fees quoted in EUR
• Local currency CVE (Cabo Verdean Escudo) accepted at airport
• Fixed exchange rate: 1 EUR = 110.265 CVE

Overweight Fees

Condition	Fee
Overweight (24-32 kg / 51-70 lbs)	50 EUR ($55)
Over 32 kg (70 lbs)	Not accepted on inter-island

Oversized Bags: Bags exceeding 158 cm linear dimensions require advance arrangement and incur additional fees. Large items may not be accepted on inter-island ATR 72 flights due to cargo hold limitations.

Special Items

Item	Fee	Notes
Surfboard	40 EUR ($44)	Sal and Boa Vista are surf destinations
Golf clubs	Standard bag fee	Counts as 1 checked bag
Bicycle	50 EUR ($55)	Must be properly packed
Windsurf/kitesurf gear	Contact airline	Popular activity in Cabo Verde
Stroller	Free	Gate-check available
Car seat	Free	Gate-check available
Wheelchair/Mobility aids	Free

Fees approximate as of January 2026. Verify at flytacv.com before traveling.

Fleet Overview

TACV has historically operated a mixed fleet optimized for its dual inter-island and international mission:

Inter-Island Service:

• ATR 72 turboprops for domestic routes
• Single-class configuration
• Flight times typically 20-45 minutes between islands

International Service:

• Boeing 757 for long-haul routes (when operational)
• Two-class configuration (Business and Economy)
• Flight times: 4-5 hours to Lisbon

Fleet Status Note: The airline's fleet composition may have changed during restructuring. Verify aircraft type when booking for long-haul travel.

Inter-Island Service (ATR 72)

Economy Class:

• Seat Pitch: 30" (76 cm)
• Seat Width: 17" (43 cm)
• Configuration: 2-2

What to Expect:

• Short flight times (under 1 hour)
• No inflight entertainment
• Light snack and beverage service on some routes
• Stunning aerial views of volcanic islands and Atlantic Ocean

Practical Notes:

• Overhead bins are smaller than jet aircraft
• Island approaches can be turbulent due to trade winds
• Some airports have short runways—approach profiles may feel steep

International Service

Business Class (Boeing 757):

• Seat Pitch: 40-42" (102-107 cm)
• Seat Width: 19-20" (48-51 cm)
• Configuration: 2-2
• Priority boarding and check-in
• Two checked bags included
• Enhanced meal service
• Complimentary beverages including wine

Economy Class (Boeing 757):

• Seat Pitch: 31-32" (79-81 cm)
• Seat Width: 17-18" (43-46 cm)
• Configuration: 3-3

Economy Features:

• One checked bag included
• Complimentary meal service on long-haul
• Non-alcoholic beverages included
• In-flight entertainment (when available)

Food & Beverage

Business Class:

• Hot meal service with Cabo Verdean and Portuguese influences
• Complimentary wine, beer, and spirits
• Fresh tropical fruit

Economy Class:

• Hot meal on international flights
• Snacks on longer inter-island routes
• Non-alcoholic beverages complimentary
• Alcohol available for purchase

Cabo Verdean Flavors:

• Cachupa (traditional corn and bean stew)
• Fresh seafood options
• Portuguese influences
• Tropical fruits from the islands

Booking

• Check current operations: Verify route availability before planning travel
• Book direct: Use flytacv.com for most current schedules and to ensure direct airline contact if issues arise
• Consider alternatives: TAP Portugal, Binter Canarias, and charter operators also serve some routes
• Flexible dates: Limited frequencies mean flexibility helps
• Travel insurance: Essential given operational uncertainties

Understanding Cabo Verde Connectivity

• Island geography: Nine inhabited islands across 4,000 sq km of ocean
• No bridges or tunnels: Air and sea are only options between islands
• Ferry alternative: Inter-island ferries operate but can be cancelled due to sea conditions
• Essential service: TACV provides lifeline connectivity for residents

Inter-Island Travel Tips

• Build buffer time: Don't schedule tight connections between islands
• Pack light: ATR 72 cargo capacity is limited
• Carry essentials: Keep medications and valuables in carry-on in case of bag delays
• Scenic flights: Window seats offer stunning volcanic island views
• Trade winds: Expect some turbulence, especially in winter months

Peak Travel Seasons

Season	Period	Notes
High Season	Dec-Mar	European winter escapes, holiday period
High Season	Jul-Aug	European summer holidays
Shoulder	Apr-Jun	Good weather, fewer crowds
Low Season	Sep-Nov	Some rain, lowest fares

Currency & Payment

• Local currency: CVE (Cabo Verdean Escudo)
• Fixed rate: Pegged to EUR at 110.265 CVE = 1 EUR
• Practical: EUR widely accepted throughout Cabo Verde
• Airport payments: Major cards accepted, EUR and USD cash also work

Alternative Airlines Serving Cabo Verde

Given TACV's operational challenges, consider:

Airline	Routes	Notes
TAP Portugal	Lisbon-SID/RAI	Daily service, Star Alliance
Binter Canarias	Canary Islands-Cabo Verde	Spanish regional carrier
TUI/Charter operators	Seasonal European routes	Package holiday focused
TAAG Angola Airlines	Luanda-Cabo Verde	African connectivity

Common Issues

• Schedule changes: Flights may be cancelled or rescheduled with limited notice
• Limited frequencies: Missing a flight may mean waiting days for next departure
• Communication: Updates may be slow during disruptions
• Smaller airports: Limited facilities and services
• Language barrier: Portuguese/Creole primary; English variable outside tourist areas

Making the Most of Cabo Verde

Despite airline challenges, Cabo Verde offers:

• Beaches: Sal and Boa Vista have world-class sandy beaches
• Music: Birthplace of Cesaria Evora and Morna music
• Hiking: Santo Antao and Fogo offer volcanic landscapes
• Water sports: Excellent windsurfing, kitesurfing, and surfing
• Culture: Portuguese-African fusion with unique Creole identity

Diaspora Travel

TACV has historically served the large Cabo Verdean diaspora in:

• Portugal: Largest community (estimated 80,000+)
• United States: Boston area, Rhode Island
• Netherlands, France, Luxembourg: Significant communities

The Lisbon route in particular serves essential family and business connections for this diaspora community.