VINCI Airports has marked a major milestone in Cape Verde with the completion of the first phase of its airport modernisation programme and the launch of a new investment plan to support continued air traffic growth and economic development across the archipelago. The announcement was made during a ceremony attended by Prime Minister José Ulisses Correia e Silva, Deputy Prime Minister Olavo Avelino Garcia Correia and VINCI Airports President Nicolas Notebaert.
Since assuming operations in 2023, VINCI Airports has significantly strengthened connectivity across Cape Verde’s airport network. Passenger traffic increased by 60 per cent between 2022 and 2025, driven by the launch of 35 new routes, including 15 in 2024 and a further 20 in 2025. Efforts to attract low-cost carriers have improved affordability, supported tourism growth and enhanced mobility for the Cape Verdean diaspora.
The first phase of works, known as Phase 1A, was completed in 2025 following €80 million of investment. This phase delivered key operational upgrades, including runway renovations at Sal and São Nicolau, modernised passenger terminals, reconfigured aircraft parking areas, the introduction of self-service check-in facilities and the deployment of advanced IT systems. Environmental performance has also improved, with solar power plants installed at several airports, widespread LED lighting upgrades and new measures to manage oil separation and water treatment.
Building on this progress, VINCI Airports and Cabo Verde Airports have launched Phase 1B, a €142 million development programme to be delivered over the next three years. The plan will expand terminal capacity, add new commercial areas and deliver major operational improvements, including a runway extension at Boa Vista. Airports across the network will also benefit from upgraded waste and wastewater treatment facilities.
The programme is supported by a robust public-private partnership model, with €60 million financing secured through sustainability-linked loans and continued shareholder equity support, ensuring long-term investment resilience. (€1.00 = US$1.16 at time of publication).
