The announcement of more flights between Fortaleza and European capitals is good news for both tourists and those looking to buy property in Brazil. As from June this year, the capital of Ceará state in Northeast Brazil will offer weekly flights to two more European capitals, Amsterdam and Paris.
Fortaleza is already South America’s closer point to Europe so flight times between the two are the shortest and quickest way to get to Brazil. The cities of Lisbon, Frankfort, Milan and Rome currently serve Fortaleza, bringing thousands of tourists every year and Amsterdam and Paris are about to be added to the list.
As from early June, the Cape Verde airline TACV will offer weekly flights to the Dutch and French capitals via the Cape Verde islands. Departing on Saturdays, the flight will leave Fortaleza for the 7-hour flight to Cape Verde where, after a maximum of two hours, passengers will be able to catch a connecting flight to Paris or Amsterdam.
The Director of TACV for Brazil Jose Luis Nogueira explained that the company plans to turn Cape Verde into a main transport hub for air traffic between Northeast Brazil and Europe over the next five years. “We plan to extend links to several European capitals and other continents as well as expand our operations in Brazil,” he said at the press launch of the flights. Prices will be competitive and start at US$1,000 for a ticket between Fortaleza and Paris or Amsterdam (not including taxes) with special offers during low season.
The announcement of new flights will boost interest in this area of Northeast Brazil, famed for its pristine sandy beaches and excellent year-round climate. European tourists in search of tropical holidays and investors keen to make the most of the booming Ceará property market will benefit directly from these additional air connections.
Fortaleza Airport has been experiencing a steady increase in both flight and passenger numbers over the last few years. Between January and November in 2013, the number of flights grew by 8.7 per cent, carrying a total of 5.88 million passengers. During the carnival period this year, passenger figures are expected to reach 204,000, a hike of 16.8 per cent on 2014.
Sources: Diario do Nordeste, Globo.com
