About VR
TACV Cabo Verde Airlines — flying under the VR code — is the national carrier of Cape Verde, that cluster of Atlantic islands off West Africa that most people couldn't place on a map until they booked a holiday there. It's a regional airline at heart, built around connecting the islands to each other and to the European cities where the Cape Verdean diaspora is concentrated. With 20 non-stop routes spread across 7 airports, this isn't a massive operation — but it punches above its weight for a small island nation's flag carrier.
Why fly VR?
If you're heading to Cape Verde, VR is often your most direct option — full stop. Twelve of their 20 routes land within the archipelago itself, so island-hopping is genuinely built into the network rather than bolted on. Flying out of Lisbon? They've got three routes from LIS, which makes sense given Portugal's deep historical ties to the islands. The RAI-CDG run at 4,467 km is their longest haul, and it's a solid option if you're connecting from Paris. The real draw here is access — VR flies to airports that bigger carriers simply skip. That alone is worth something.
VR hub airports
- RAI Praia — 5 VR routes from Cape Verde
- SID Sal — 4 VR routes from Cape Verde
- LIS Lisbon — 3 VR routes from Portugal
- VXE Sao Vicente — 3 VR routes from Cape Verde
- CDG Paris — 3 VR routes from France
Top destination countries on VR
- Cape Verde — 12 VR routes
- Portugal — 3 VR routes
- France — 3 VR routes
- Brazil — 1 VR routes
- Italy — 1 VR routes
Tips for booking VR
RAI (Praia) is your main connection point — five routes funnel through there, so if your itinerary looks complicated, building your connection around Praia usually smooths things out. SID (Sal) is the other workhorse hub with four routes, and it's where a lot of resort-focused tourists land first. Check baggage allowances carefully before you fly — smaller island routes can have tighter restrictions than the longer intercontinental legs. VR's network is tight and purpose-built, so don't expect a huge range of fare classes or frequent flyer flexibility. Book direct through their site and read the fine print.
Frequently asked questions about VR
Where does VR (TACV Cabo Verde Airlines) fly?
VR operates 20 routes primarily connecting Cape Verde, Portugal, and France. The airline focuses on serving the Atlantic islands and Western Europe, making it ideal for travelers heading to or from Cape Verde.
What is VR's main hub airport?
VR's primary hub is Praia International Airport (RAI) in Cape Verde, which serves as the airline's main connection point for regional and international flights.
Is VR a legacy, low-cost, or regional carrier?
VR is a regional carrier focused on connecting Cape Verde with nearby Atlantic and European destinations. With 20 routes concentrated in this region, it operates as a specialized regional airline rather than a full-service legacy or ultra-low-cost carrier.
When should I book VR flights and what fare classes are available?
Booking 4-6 weeks in advance typically offers better fares on VR flights. The airline likely offers standard economy and premium cabin options; check VR's website directly for current fare class details and promotions.
What are VR's baggage and check-in policies?
For specific baggage allowances and check-in procedures, visit VR's official website or contact their customer service, as policies may vary by route and fare class. Generally, international flights allow checked baggage, but confirming details before travel is recommended.