On March 31, 2025, British airline easyJet announced another step in its expansion strategy: the launch of its longest-running flight to date, connecting London Gatwick Airport with the island of Sal in Cape Verde. This new direct flight, connecting the British capital with the African archipelago, not only represents another milestone for the airline but also offers travelers the opportunity to discover a previously underdeveloped destination in West Africa.
Covering a distance of 2.700 miles (approximately 4.345 kilometers), the flight from London Gatwick (LGW) to Sal's Amílcar Cabral International Airport (SID) is the longest ever offered by easyJet. The flight time is approximately five hours and 50 minutes each way, surpassing the previous record for the longest connection from the UK – a flight from Manchester to Hurghada, Egypt. This new service is a significant step for easyJet, which has previously been primarily known for its shorter, intra-European routes.
The island of Sal, one of the Cape Verde Islands off the West African coast, is considered a popular destination for travelers seeking a combination of relaxation and adventure. The announcement that EasyJet will launch a regular service to the island is expected to not only further boost tourism to Cape Verde but also provide a greater variety of travel options for British customers.
"Our customers are always looking for exciting new destinations, and with our flights and package holidays to Sal in Cape Verde, we offer the perfect blend of relaxation and adventure," said Ali Gayward, Country Manager of EasyJet in the UK. Cape Verde, which has not previously been regularly served by low-cost airlines, is now expected to become an attractive travel option for many Britons with its inclusion in the EasyJet network.
A special event: Opening celebrations
To celebrate the first flight on March 31, 2025, passengers were treated to a special welcome. At the gate, passengers received small gifts, including a goodie bag with practical travel items such as a power adapter and a travel bag. A welcome ceremony was held at the airport in Sal, the destination, where local musicians created a festive atmosphere. Such special events are intended to make the travel experience even more memorable for passengers while underscoring the significance of the new route.
EasyJet's commitment to this new market is also reflected in the frequency of its flights: the flight to Sal will be offered three times a week—Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays—and will operate year-round. This frequency speaks to the route's potential and the expected demand for this new connection.
Significance for London Gatwick and Easyjet
The launch of the new long-haul route underscores easyJet's growing importance as the largest airline at London's Gatwick Airport. The airport, a key hub for easyJet for many years, has consistently benefited from the airline's operations, carrying approximately 2024 million passengers in 250. EasyJet launched its first flight from Gatwick to Geneva in 1999, and the airline opened its first base there in 2002. Since then, easyJet has steadily established itself as one of the leading airlines at the airport.
"We are delighted with easyJet's decision to launch a new service to Cape Verde. This is an exciting expansion of the network, offering our passengers even more options for their holidays," said Jennifer Newman, Airline Relations Manager at Gatwick Airport. This collaboration demonstrates easyJet's growing confidence in Gatwick's infrastructure and the airport's increasing importance as an international hub.
Sal – A new tourist hotspot for British travelers
Cape Verde, and especially the island of Sal, has increasingly established itself as a destination for European holidaymakers in recent years. The island offers not only beautiful beaches and clear waters, but also numerous recreational opportunities such as water sports, hiking, and cultural attractions. Easy access from London could make Cape Verde a popular destination for relaxation seekers and adventurers alike in the coming years.
Sal is the most famous of the Cape Verde islands and a major tourist center in the country. With EasyJet's new direct flight, many British travelers will now have a convenient way to reach this tropical paradise. Tourism growth in Cape Verde is also being fueled by an increasing number of international flights, which not only strengthens the country's economic sector but also promotes the expansion of infrastructure and services.
Competition and opportunities for Easyjet
By adding Cape Verde to its route network, EasyJet is not only expanding its geographical reach but also entering into a partnership with an increasingly important holiday destination. In times of increasing competition in the low-cost airline industry, especially from providers such as Ryanair and Wizz Air, this new long-haul route represents an important differentiator for EasyJet. While most low-cost airlines limit their flights to European destinations, EasyJet now offers access to exotic destinations, significantly enhancing its portfolio.
In addition, this strategy demonstrates that the airline is willing to venture beyond the European market and offer its passengers long-haul destinations that have previously been served primarily by traditional airlines.