Key Takeaways
• TAAG Angola Airlines fully relocates to Dr. António Agostinho Neto Airport on September 15, 2025.
• New airport handles 15 million passengers yearly, nearly triple old airport capacity.
• Airport features modern facilities, two runways, 30 gates, and cargo capacity of 130,000 tons.
TAAG Angola Airlines to Fully Relocate to Luanda’s New Dr. António Agostinho Neto International Airport in 2025
TAAG Angola Airlines will make a historic move on September 15, 2025, by relocating all its domestic and international flights to the new Dr. António Agostinho Neto International Airport, located 40 kilometers southeast of Luanda. This shift marks the end of an era for the old Quatro de Fevereiro Airport and signals the start of a new chapter for Angola’s aviation sector. The relocation is part of a larger plan to modernize air travel in Angola 🇦🇴 and position Luanda as a major hub for Southern Africa.
This article explains what this move means for travelers, airlines, the Angolan economy, and the broader region. It also provides background on the airport’s development, the step-by-step transition process, and what to expect in the coming years.
Why Is TAAG Angola Airlines Moving to the New Airport?
TAAG Angola Airlines, the country’s national carrier, is moving all its operations to the new Dr. António Agostinho Neto International Airport (NBJ) to take advantage of its modern facilities and much larger capacity. The new airport can handle up to 15 million passengers a year, nearly three times the capacity of the old Quatro de Fevereiro Airport (LAD), which could only serve 5.6 million passengers annually.
The move is part of a phased transition that began in late 2024 with some domestic flights. By September 15, 2025, all TAAG flights—both domestic and international—will depart from and arrive at NBJ. After this date, the old airport will no longer serve as TAAG’s main hub.
According to TAAG’s CEO Nelson Rodrigues, this relocation is a key step in the airline’s modernization plan. He says the new airport and a modernized fleet, including the recent addition of Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners and Airbus A220-300s, will help TAAG deliver a “world-class experience” and support new routes, including possible direct flights to the United States 🇺🇸.
What Makes Dr. António Agostinho Neto International Airport Special?
The new airport is one of the largest and most modern in Africa. Built at a cost of about $3 billion, it features:
- Two long runways (4,200 meters and 3,800 meters), able to handle the world’s largest planes, such as the Airbus A380 and Boeing 747
- Three modern terminals with 30 boarding gates, compared to just 10 at the old airport
- 12 aircraft docks for efficient boarding and deplaning
- Annual cargo capacity of 130,000 tons, supporting trade and logistics
- State-of-the-art facilities designed to reduce congestion and improve passenger comfort
The airport’s location, 40 kilometers from Luanda’s city center, is meant to ease traffic and allow for future expansion. The government has also invested in new access roads and a rail link, with $26.9 million allocated for rail access in 2023.
How Will the Transition Happen?
The move to the new airport is being carried out in several steps:
- Phased Transition: The process started in late 2024, with some domestic flights moving to NBJ. This allowed the airport to test its systems and staff before handling full operations.
- Fleet Modernization: TAAG Angola Airlines has updated its fleet with new Boeing 787-9 and Airbus A220-300 aircraft, which are better suited for long-haul and regional flights.
- Infrastructure Readiness: Construction of runways, terminals, and cargo facilities is complete. Work on access roads and the rail link is ongoing.
- Full Transfer: On September 15, 2025, all TAAG flights will operate from NBJ. Passengers must plan their travel to and from the new airport from this date.
- Old Airport Decommissioning: The old Quatro de Fevereiro Airport will no longer be TAAG’s hub. Its future use has not yet been announced.
What Does This Mean for Passengers?
For travelers, the move promises a much better experience. The new airport’s modern design and larger size mean:
- Shorter lines and less congestion at check-in, security, and boarding
- More flight options and better connections, both within Africa and to other continents
- Improved facilities, including comfortable waiting areas, more shops and restaurants, and better baggage handling
- Easier access thanks to new roads and a planned rail link
Passengers should remember that after September 15, 2025, all TAAG Angola Airlines flights will depart from and arrive at Dr. António Agostinho Neto International Airport, not the old airport. It’s important to check your ticket and travel plans to avoid confusion.
What Are the Benefits for Angola’s Economy?
The new airport is expected to bring many benefits to Angola 🇦🇴:
- Job Creation: Thousands of jobs will be created in airport operations, security, retail, and transportation.
- Tourism Growth: Modern facilities and more direct flights will attract more tourists, boosting hotels, restaurants, and local businesses.
- Trade and Investment: The large cargo capacity and improved connectivity will make it easier for businesses to import and export goods, attracting foreign investment.
- Economic Diversification: By making Luanda a major air hub, Angola can reduce its reliance on oil and develop other sectors like tourism, logistics, and services.
The government sees the airport as a key part of its plan to diversify the economy and connect Angola more closely with the rest of Africa and the world.
How Will This Affect Airlines and the Travel Industry?
TAAG Angola Airlines will benefit from the ability to operate more flights, add new destinations, and use larger, more efficient aircraft. Other airlines will also have the chance to expand their services to and from Luanda, thanks to the airport’s increased capacity and modern infrastructure.
For travel agents and tour operators, the move opens up new opportunities to create travel packages, business trips, and regional tours. With Luanda positioned as a major hub, it will be easier to connect travelers from Southern Africa to Europe, the Americas, and Asia.
Who Is Managing the New Airport?
The Angolan government has put the management of Dr. António Agostinho Neto International Airport out to international tender. This means they are looking for experienced companies from around the world to run the airport for 25 years, with a possible 15-year extension. The goal is to ensure that the airport is managed to the highest international standards.
However, the requirements for bidding are strict, and only large, well-established companies are likely to qualify. This could limit competition but is intended to guarantee quality and reliability.
The outcome of this management tender will be important for the airport’s future success. Good management will help attract more airlines, improve services, and ensure the airport remains a top choice for travelers and businesses.
For more details on Angola’s transportation policies and official updates, you can visit the Ministry of Transportation’s website.
Background: How Did the Project Develop?
The idea for a new airport in Luanda has been around for nearly 20 years. Construction began almost two decades ago but faced many delays due to design changes, contractor problems, and funding issues.
- 2019: The original Chinese contractor was replaced because of poor performance. The Aviation Industry Corporation of China took over the project.
- 2022: The airport hosted its first test flight as part of the certification process.
- 2023: The final phase of construction began, and the government launched the management tender.
- 2024–2025: TAAG began moving some flights to the new airport, testing systems and preparing for full operations.
- September 15, 2025: All TAAG flights will operate from NBJ, marking the official opening of the new hub.
The airport’s construction and equipment have involved international partners from China and Brazil. Financing for TAAG’s new aircraft has come from a group of banks led by Africa Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) and Absa Bank.
What Are the Challenges and Risks?
While the new airport brings many opportunities, there are also challenges:
- Management Complexity: Running a large, modern airport requires skilled management. The strict requirements for the management tender may make it hard for smaller companies to compete.
- Economic Uncertainty: The airport’s success depends on Angola’s broader economic health and the ability to attract airlines and passengers.
- Access and Transport: The airport is 40 kilometers from Luanda’s city center. Reliable transport links, including the planned rail connection, are essential for easy access.
- Future of the Old Airport: It’s not yet clear what will happen to the old Quatro de Fevereiro Airport. Its future use will need to be decided.
Industry experts say that the airport could become a “game-changer” for Angola and a model for other African countries, but only if it is managed well and continues to attract investment and new routes.
What’s Next for TAAG Angola Airlines and Luanda?
TAAG Angola Airlines plans to use the new airport and its modern fleet to expand its network. There are plans to add new international destinations, including possible direct flights to the United States 🇺🇸. This would make Luanda a key gateway between Africa and the Americas.
Passenger numbers are expected to grow quickly. Projections suggest the airport could reach its full capacity of 15 million passengers by 2035, in line with forecasts for rapid growth in African air travel.
The airport is also expected to encourage more investment in infrastructure across Africa, supporting the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and helping countries work together more closely.
Summary Table: Comparing the Old and New Airports
| Feature | Quatro de Fevereiro (LAD) | Dr. António Agostinho Neto (NBJ) |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Capacity | 5.6 million | 15 million |
| Runways | 1 | 2 (4,200m & 3,800m) |
| Boarding Gates | 10 | 30 |
| Cargo Capacity | Limited | 130,000 tons/year |
| Modern Facilities | Outdated | State-of-the-art |
| TAAG Hub Status | Until Sep 15, 2025 | From Sep 15, 2025 |
Official Contacts and Resources
- TAAG Angola Airlines:
- Website: www.taag.com
- Customer Service: +244 923 190 000
- Ministry of Transportation (MINTRANS), Angola:
- Website: www.mintrans.gov.ao
- General Inquiries: +244 222 334 400
- Dr. António Agostinho Neto International Airport (NBJ):
- Official website pending launch (check MINTRANS and TAAG for updates)
Practical Tips for Travelers
- Check your ticket: Make sure you know which airport your flight departs from, especially if you are traveling around September 15, 2025.
- Plan your transport: The new airport is farther from the city center, so allow extra time for travel.
- Look for new routes: TAAG Angola Airlines and other carriers may add new destinations, giving you more options for travel.
- Stay updated: Visit the official TAAG and Ministry of Transportation websites for the latest news and updates.
Final Thoughts
The opening of Dr. António Agostinho Neto International Airport and the full relocation of TAAG Angola Airlines mark a turning point for Angola’s aviation sector. With world-class infrastructure, expanded capacity, and a focus on international standards, Luanda is set to become a major hub for Southern Africa. This move will benefit travelers, airlines, and the Angolan economy, supporting growth and regional integration for years to come.
As reported by VisaVerge.com, the success of this project will depend on strong management, continued investment, and the ability to attract new airlines and passengers. For now, Angola 🇦🇴 stands at the forefront of airport modernization in Africa, offering new opportunities for travel, trade, and economic development.
For more information on Angola’s transportation policies and official updates, visit the Ministry of Transportation’s official website.
Learn Today
TAAG Angola Airlines → The national airline of Angola, operating domestic and international flights.
Dr. António Agostinho Neto International Airport → New main airport in Luanda replacing Quatro de Fevereiro Airport in 2025.
Runway → A paved strip where airplanes take off and land at airports.
Phased Transition → Gradual process of moving flights and operations from old to new airport.
Fleet Modernization → Updating an airline’s airplanes to newer, more efficient models.
This Article in a Nutshell
TAAG Angola Airlines will move all flights to the new Dr. António Agostinho Neto International Airport in 2025. This new hub triples passenger capacity and modernizes Angola’s aviation, offering improved facilities, direct flight expansions, and economic growth opportunities for the country and region.
— By VisaVerge.com
