Winter sun holiday islands reveal plans for new £11.8million airline – and flights from the UK are under 6 hours
A NEW low-cost airline has revealed plans to start passenger flights in Cape Verde – a popular winter sun holiday destination.
Start-up airline TransVerde Airlines is seeking £11.8million in funding to launch Cape Verde flights.
Located in West Africa in the Atlantic Ocean, Cape Verde is made up of several sub-tropical and volcanic islands.
The new airline plans to revolutionise air travel between the islands, aiming to extend its services to other countries in West Africa.
As reported by Times Aerospace, TransVerde Airlines founder & president, Rui Lima, said: “The passenger demand for Cabo Verde [Cape Verde] is a given.
“But growth is happening quickly, and the islands need to be ready for change.
“Overtourism in other parts of the world is driving holidaymakers to new destinations, to discover the unknown, to find hidden gems and new experiences.
“Cabo Verde [Cape Verde] has a unique cultural heritage, serene beaches and climate which are very attractive”.
Tourist numbers to Cape Verde are on the rise, with arrivals reaching roughly one million in 2023.
Direct flights from the UK take roughly six hours to reach Cape Verde – although journeys can take longer if you have to change flights.
Boasting tropical temperatures and low rainfall throughout the year, Cape Verde is the perfect destination for a summer break or a winter getaway.
Temperatures in Cape Verde rarely drop below 24C, even in December and January.
Average temperatures rest around 25C to 27C, with temperatures rising to 32C in the summer.
Dubbed “Africa’s answer to the Caribbean,” Cape Verde is home to ten idyllic islands.
Sal and Boa Vista are typically favoured among Brits thanks to their picture-perfect beaches and hotel resorts.
Because of its large hotel resorts and beaches, Sal is a popular spot among surfers.
Meanwhile, Boa Vista is known for its Blue Flag beaches.
Santo Antão has been named one of the most visually impressive islands and a “hidden gem” because few people choose to visit throughout the year.
For instance, Santa Luzia is uninhabited but accessible via boat ride from Sao Vicente.
Other islands include the likes of Fogo, Santiago, Maio, Brava, Santa Luzia and São Nicolau.
To travel to Cape Verde, your passport must have at least six months left on arrival.
Brits can also stay in Cape Verde for up to 30 days without a visa.
The currency is Cape Verdean escudo (CVE) – £10 is around 1,281 escudo.
What is it like to visit Cape Verde?
The Sun’s Head of Travel (Digital) Caroline McGuire visited Cape Verde in 2022, so knows all about the idyllic islands.
Caroline McGuire Head of Travel (Digital) says: “Cape Verde is certainly the place for those seeking winter sun, with the average highs reaching 24C in December.
“And the best part is, unlike far-flung sunny favourites such as Florida, this collection of ten islands in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean can be reached in less than six hours from the UK.
“Skin-scorching sun isn’t the only reason to visit the Portuguese-speaking country, though.
“For those who like a bit of adrenaline, there’s kite-surfing along the aptly named Kite Beach (you’ll need strong arms), plus quad-biking on the desert landscape that makes up the bulk of the inner island.”
Earlier this month, Sun Travel revealed their favourite winter sun destinations that are less than six hours from the UK
Here’s a jet-lag free holiday island to visit this winter, with cheap TUI packages too.