Widespread Cancellations Affect Key Inter-Island Route
TACV Cabo Verde Airlines has recently experienced significant operational challenges, leading to the cancellation of numerous flights, including TCV6101 (also referred to as VR6101) from Amilcar Cabral International Airport (SID) to Praia International Airport (RAI). This particular flight, which connects two vital hubs in Cape Verde, was last scheduled on August 31st, 2025, and was not scheduled for October 22nd, 2025, indicating an ongoing or recent disruption to its service.
Operational Difficulties Cited by Airline
The airline has attributed the widespread cancellations to 'operational difficulties' and 'limitations of the fleet'. Reports indicate that simultaneous breakdowns in aircraft have contributed to these challenges. These issues have not been isolated, with multiple instances of flight disruptions reported throughout September and October 2025. In August 2025, the airline announced the resumption of domestic flights after 'days of significant disruptions' caused by similar operational problems.
Impact on Passengers and Travel Connectivity
The cancellations have severely impacted hundreds of passengers, leaving them stranded at major airports across the archipelago, including Amilcar Cabral, Praia, and São Filipe. These disruptions affect essential routes for tourists, businesspeople, and residents, highlighting the fragility of inter-island air connections in Cape Verde, where air transport is crucial for mobility and the local economy. Passengers affected by the cancellations are typically advised to contact TACV for refunds or rebooking, although the availability of alternative flights can be limited.
Airline's Response and Mitigation Efforts
In response to the recurring issues, TACV Cabo Verde Airlines has stated it is actively working to manage the situation and restore normal operations. The airline has reportedly resorted to measures such as chartering boats through CV Interilhas for extraordinary routes and utilizing Boeing aircraft to reinforce connections between islands like São Vicente, Sal, and Praia. Despite the challenges, TACV has reiterated its 'absolute commitment' to the safety of its passengers and employees.
5 Comments
Muchacho
Cape Verde deserves a reliable airline, not this constant chaos.
Muchacha
Passengers are certainly facing hardship with these cancellations, and while rebooking is offered, the lack of dependable service undermines confidence in air travel across the archipelago.
Comandante
The effort to use Boeing aircraft for reinforcement is a good temporary measure, however, it doesn't address the fundamental reliability issues of their own core fleet.
Leonardo
Safety is undoubtedly important, but the continuous 'fleet limitations' point to a deeper, unresolved issue with the airline's infrastructure that needs a permanent solution.
Michelangelo
It's understandable that inter-island travel has challenges, yet the sheer number of cancellations indicates a systemic problem that TACV isn't effectively resolving long-term.