Photo: Cape Verde Airports/ Vinci Airports
The airport improvements project at Cape Verde has been spearheaded by Vinci Airports, which operates the air transport hubs in Cape Verde’s portfolio. With phase one now complete, the French airport operator is moving into the next phase of airport improvement works, which includes a EUR 142 million investment.
Works have included runway renovations at Sal and São Nicolau airports, the modernisation of passenger spaces and terminals, the reconfiguration of aircraft parking areas, the installation of self-service check-in counters and the deployment of advanced IT solutions. To date, the upgrades have totalled approximately EUR 80 million.
Cape Verde reveals further expansion plans
Phase two, which is expected to last three years, will focus on further expansion alongside operational and environmental improvements. It will include terminal expansions, new commercial areas, and important operational improvements such as the runway extension at Boa Vista. Meanwhile, from Sal to Praia, Boa Vista, São Vicente, São Filipe, São Nicolau, and Maio, each airport will also benefit from enhanced facilities, such as waste treatment and wastewater processing plants.
Nicolas Notebaert, President of VINCI Concessions and VINCI Airports, stated: “The completion of this first phase and the launch of the next stage of airport modernisation mark a significant advancement for Cape Verde. We are proud to contribute to turning its airport infrastructure into a benchmark for economic growth and sustainable development.”
Environmental enhancements
To complement the operational improvements, Vinci Airports has also implemented a robust environmental strategy. This has included the installation of solar power plants at Sal, Praia, Boa Vista and São Vicente airports, the implementation of oil separators and the replacement of lighting systems with LEDs across several platforms.
The completion of phase one was marked with a ceremony at the airport attended by Prime Minister José Ulisses Correia e Silva, Deputy Prime Minister Olavo Avelino Garcia Correia and Nicolas Notebaert, President of Vinci Airports.
Vinci took over operations at Cape Verde airports in 2023 and has significantly strengthened connectivity. Between 2022 and 2025 the airport saw a +60% increase in traffic, driven by the addition of 35 new routes and efforts to attract low-fare carriers. Twenty of these routes were introduced in 2025, while 15 were added in 2024.
Notebaert concluded, “In close partnership with Cape Verdean authorities, Vinci Airports is committed to delivering modern, efficient and well-connected airports, while placing the passenger experience improvement at the core of our priorities.”
