Summary:
- VINCI Airports has completed the first phase of airport modernisation in Cape Verde and launched a new multi-year investment programme to support air traffic growth, tourism and economic development across the archipelago.
- Backed by €80 million in completed works and a further €142 million planned, the programme combines terminal upgrades, digitalisation, capacity expansion and decarbonisation initiatives across multiple airports.
VINCI Airports – a Corporate Partner of the FTE Digital, Innovation & Startup Hub – has completed the first phase of airport modernisation in Cape Verde and launched an ambitious new investment programme to continue supporting air traffic growth and foster the economic and tourism dynamism of the archipelago.
Since its takeover in 2023, VINCI Airports has significantly strengthened the connectivity of Cape Verde’s airports. This development has resulted in a marked increase in passenger traffic: +60% between 2022 and 2025, notably thanks to the opening of 35 new air routes, including 15 in 2024 and 20 in 2025. The Group’s efforts to attract low-cost carriers have made travel more affordable while promoting tourism and improving mobility for Cape Verde’s diaspora.
The completion of the first phase of works, involving investments of €80 million, represents a significant step forward for Cape Verde’s airports. Key achievements include:
- Modernisation of passenger spaces and terminals
- Installation of self-service check-in counters
- Deployment of advanced IT solutions
- Runway renovations at Sal and São Nicolau airports
- Reconfiguration of aircraft parking areas
In addition to these operational improvements, Cape Verde airports have made notable progress in decarbonisation under VINCI Airports’ environmental strategy. Actions taken include the installation of solar power plants at Sal, Praia, Boa Vista, and São Vicente airports, implementation of oil separators, and replacement of lighting systems with LEDs across several platforms.
VINCI Airports and Cabo Verde Airports are now launching an ambitious new development plan, Phase 1B, involving €142 million over three years to increase the capacity of airports throughout the archipelago. The project includes terminal expansions, new commercial areas, and important operational improvements such as the runway extension at Boa Vista. 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.
“The completion of this first phase and the launch of the next stage of airport modernisation mark a significant advancement for Cape Verde,” said Nicolas Notebaert, President of VINCI Concessions and VINCI Airports. “We are proud to contribute to turning its airport infrastructure into a benchmark for economic growth and sustainable development. In close partnership with Cape Verdean authorities, VINCI Airports is committed to delivering modern, efficient, and well-connected airports while placing passenger experience improvement at the core of our priorities.”
