Direct flights from the UK to the Cape Verde islands are set to get under way in November 2006, which is expected to help boost the countrys emerging property market.

Astraeus Airlines launches its weekly direct flight from Gatwick and Manchester to Sal Island on 2 nd November, with TAVC Airlines offering an alternative route between Birmingham and the capital Praia on Santiago Island, also in November. Until now, travellers to Cape Verde have had to fly via Amsterdam or Lisbon.

Paul Akwei of Cape Verde estate agent Noscasa said: “This is what we have been waiting for