New Sunshine Route to Sal Takes Off as easyJet Launches First Sub-Saharan Service from London Gatwick

Cape Verde’s position as one of the most exciting emerging destinations for British holidaymakers has received a major boost with the launch of easyJet’s first-ever flights to sub-Saharan Africa, connecting London Gatwick directly with the island of Sal.

The inaugural easyJet service departed London Gatwick for Sal on Monday, 31 March, opening a significant new connection between the UK and an island increasingly recognised for its year-round sunshine, white sandy beaches and growing international tourism sector.

The new route will operate three times a week throughout the year, with flights every Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Fares have been launched from £129.99 one way per person, while easyJet holidays are offering package holidays to Sal from £600 per person.

For The Resort Group Plc, which has invested extensively in the development of Sal as an international tourism destination, the arrival of one of Europe’s largest airlines represents another important milestone in the island’s growth.

The route is also expected to support The Lagoon Resorts, a collection of Meliá hotels on Sal developed by The Resort Group Plc, by making the destination still more accessible to one of its most important international visitor markets.

Rob Jarrett, Honorary Chairman of The Resort Group Plc, said:
“The launch of easyJet’s first direct service from London Gatwick to Sal is a tremendous vote of confidence in Cape Verde and in the continued development of the island as a major international tourism destination.

“When we first began investing in Cape Verde, we saw the extraordinary potential of Sal: a beautiful island with year-round sunshine, magnificent beaches, a welcoming population and a location that makes it exceptionally attractive to European travellers.

“The arrival of easyJet further strengthens that proposition. Increased air connectivity is fundamental to the long-term growth of any tourism destination, and a year-round service from London Gatwick brings Sal within even easier reach of millions of British holidaymakers.”

The launch represents a significant expansion for easyJet. Cape Verde becomes the latest destination in its growing network and Sal its first destination in sub-Saharan Africa.
Passengers on the inaugural flight were welcomed with giveaways at London Gatwick before being greeted by local musicians and a special ceremony on arrival in Sal.

The new service is particularly significant because it is not restricted to the traditional summer season. Its year-round schedule reflects Sal’s strength as a 12-month holiday destination, with its warm climate making the island attractive to travellers seeking winter as well as summer sunshine.

The Lagoon Resorts are well positioned to benefit from this increased connectivity. The collection of Meliá properties on Sal provides a range of accommodation and resort experiences for international visitors, from family holidays to adults-only escapes and luxury stays.

Lisa Kellett, Chief of Staff for The Resort Group Plc, said:
“The arrival of easyJet at Sal is fantastic news for the island, for its tourism economy and for The Lagoon Resorts.

“Accessibility is one of the most important factors in the continued growth of a destination, and three direct flights every week from London Gatwick throughout the year gives British travellers even greater choice when considering Cape Verde.

“Sal has so much to offer. It combines spectacular beaches and reliable sunshine with a distinctive Cape Verdean culture and hospitality. The Lagoon Resorts have been developed to complement those qualities and provide the range of experiences today’s international traveller is looking for.

“The fact that a major airline such as easyJet has chosen Sal for its first sub-Saharan route is another indication of how far the destination has come and the opportunities that still lie ahead.”

easyJet said both its flights and holidays to Cape Verde were already proving popular among British travellers, positioning Sal as a good-value tropical alternative to longer-haul destinations such as the Caribbean.

The airline’s UK Country Manager, Ali Gayward, described the new Cape Verde service as offering customers a combination of “relaxation and adventure” and said the airline was proud to provide greater choice across its year-round beach network.
easyJet holidays Chief Commercial Officer Paul Bixby also highlighted Cape Verde’s year-round sunshine and white sandy beaches, pointing to the breadth of accommodation available for families, couples and travellers seeking adults-only luxury.

The launch builds on easyJet’s already substantial presence at London Gatwick. The airline is Gatwick’s largest carrier and has now carried more than 250 million passengers to and from the airport since operating its first Gatwick service, to Geneva, in December 1999.

For Sal, however, the importance extends beyond another route on an airline timetable. Direct connections from major European cities support hotels, restaurants, leisure businesses, local employment and the wider visitor economy.
The Resort Group Plc has long regarded international connectivity as a key component in Cape Verde’s development as a sustainable, globally competitive tourism destination.

With three easyJet flights now connecting Gatwick and Sal every week, the island has taken another important step towards that goal.

As British travellers look increasingly towards destinations offering dependable sunshine, high-quality resorts and good value without the longer journey to the Caribbean, Cape Verde – and Sal in particular – is becoming increasingly difficult to overlook.