Cabo Verde Airlines has achieved remarkable growth momentum in the first half of 2025, transporting 234,933 passengers across 4,000 flights—representing an extraordinary 100% increase compared to the same period in 2024. This exceptional performance positions the archipelago nation's flag carrier as a compelling case study for African aviation transformation, particularly as the airline prepares for a strategic pivot that could reshape regional connectivity patterns.

The surge in passenger numbers reflects unprecedented demand for inter-island connectivity, with routes to São Vicente, Fogo, Maio, and São Nicolau experiencing particularly robust growth. This domestic traffic boom has fundamentally altered the airline's operational profile, with domestic routes now accounting for approximately 75% of total passenger volume, compared to 65% in the previous year.

Market Transformation Underway

Behind these impressive figures lies a carefully orchestrated transformation strategy that will see Cabo Verde Airlines withdraw from domestic operations by year-end 2025. This bold move represents one of the most significant restructuring initiatives in recent African aviation history, as the carrier prepares to transfer all inter-island services to Linhas Aéreas de Cabo Verde (LACV), a newly established public airline currently undergoing certification processes.

LACV's emergence as Cabo Verde's dedicated domestic carrier reflects broader trends across African aviation markets, where governments increasingly recognize the strategic importance of maintaining reliable inter-island and regional connectivity. The new airline will operate a focused fleet of two ATR 72-600 aircraft, specifically configured for the short-haul routes that connect Cabo Verde's scattered islands.

This transition model offers valuable insights for other African archipelago nations and countries with challenging domestic connectivity requirements. By creating specialized carriers for domestic operations while allowing flag carriers to focus on international expansion, governments can optimize both service delivery and resource allocation.

International Expansion Strategy

As domestic operations transfer to LACV, Cabo Verde Airlines is positioning itself for aggressive international growth, targeting new destinations across the United States, Europe, and West Africa. This strategic pivot comes at an opportune moment, as Cabo Verde's tourism industry experiences remarkable recovery, welcoming 1.2 million visitors in 2024—a 16.5% increase over the previous year.

The airline's international network expansion includes several high-profile additions. The Sal-Porto route launched in May 2025, operating weekly services through September with Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft. Barcelona services continue on a weekly basis, while the carrier has resumed direct flights to Washington Dulles, reconnecting with the substantial Cape Verdean diaspora in North America.

European operations remain central to the expansion strategy, with existing services to Lisbon, Paris, and Milan complemented by new routes that leverage Cabo Verde's position as a strategic Atlantic hub. The airline's ability to serve both leisure and diaspora markets provides a sustainable foundation for long-term growth in these corridors.

West African Connectivity Implications

Perhaps most significant for African aviation professionals is Cabo Verde Airlines' planned expansion into West African markets. This development could substantially enhance regional connectivity, particularly for travelers seeking alternatives to traditional European routing patterns. The airline's strategic location positions it as a potential hub for trans-Atlantic services, offering West African passengers direct access to American and European destinations.

Current West African operations include services to Dakar and Lagos, but the expansion strategy suggests additional destinations across the region. This growth trajectory aligns with broader African aviation integration initiatives, as carriers seek to reduce dependence on European hubs for intra-African connectivity.

The timing proves particularly advantageous, as Cabo Verde's airports handled a record 3 million passengers in 2024, surpassing pre-pandemic levels and demonstrating the market's resilience. International traffic accounted for 2.4 million passengers, while domestic movements reached 614,000, providing a solid foundation for the planned operational restructuring.

Competitive Landscape Evolution

Cabo Verde Airlines' transformation occurs within an increasingly competitive environment, as European low-cost carriers intensify their focus on Atlantic island destinations. EasyJet and Transavia have launched new routes to Praia, Mindelo, and Sal, creating pricing pressures that require strategic responses from established carriers.

This competitive dynamic mirrors broader trends across African aviation markets, where traditional flag carriers must adapt to new market realities while maintaining essential connectivity functions. Cabo Verde Airlines' decision to concentrate on international operations while transferring domestic services to a specialized carrier represents one potential response to these pressures.

The airline's operational efficiency metrics provide encouraging indicators for this strategy. Passenger load factors have remained consistent at approximately 58.7 passengers per flight throughout the growth period, suggesting sustainable demand patterns rather than unsustainable capacity expansion.

Economic Impact and Future Projections

The aviation sector's performance directly supports Cabo Verde's tourism-dependent economy, where the sector contributes 20-25% of GDP. Real GDP growth reached 7.3% in 2024, largely driven by tourism recovery, with projections indicating continued expansion at 5.9-6% for 2025.

Year-end projections for Cabo Verde Airlines suggest multiple scenarios depending on transition execution. Conservative estimates anticipate approximately 217,000 passengers if domestic operations decline during the LACV transition, while optimistic projections reach 493,000 passengers if seasonal patterns and international expansion proceed as planned.

These projections reflect the inherent challenges of major operational restructuring, but also highlight the potential rewards of successful strategic transformation. For African aviation stakeholders, the Cabo Verde model demonstrates how carriers can leverage domestic strength to build international capabilities while maintaining essential connectivity services through specialized operators.

The success of this transformation will likely influence similar initiatives across African aviation markets, particularly in countries where domestic and international operations require different strategic approaches. As the continent's aviation sector continues evolving, Cabo Verde Airlines' bold restructuring initiative may well establish new benchmarks for strategic flexibility and market adaptation in challenging operational environments.