Luanda’s Dr António Agostinho Neto International Airport Revolutionizes Angola’s Aviation Landscape
Angola’s aviation sector is undergoing a transformative shift as Luanda’s new Dr António Agostinho Neto International Airport (AIAAN) nears the completion of its transition phase. By March 1, 2026, this modern facility will fully replace the aging 4 de Fevereiro International Airport, marking a pivotal milestone for international arrivals and departures in the country.
Currently, an overwhelming 99.9% of international flights have already been relocated to AIAAN, with major carriers such as Royal Air Maroc, Turkish Airlines, and ASKY Airlines leading the migration. The final airline scheduled to complete its transfer is South African regional operator Airlink, solidifying the airport’s role as Angola’s primary international gateway.
The new airport, located in the municipality of Bom Jesus, Icolo e Bengo Province, is a significant departure from the old facility, not only in terms of infrastructure but also in its geographic positioning. While the former 4 de Fevereiro Airport sat just 5 kilometres from central Luanda, AIAAN is situated approximately 40 kilometres away. This increase in distance translates to a travel time ranging from 45 to 90 minutes, depending on traffic conditions and ongoing infrastructure developments.
For travellers and tourism professionals alike, this change demands careful planning. The extended transfer time means that airport journeys, especially those for early morning flights, require more generous scheduling to avoid missed departures. It also highlights the importance of considering transport logistics when crafting travel itineraries to Angola’s capital.
Apart from the relocation, AIAAN boasts a more modern, spacious, and efficient environment designed to accommodate rising passenger volumes and future growth. Major airlines currently operating from the new airport include TAAG Angola Airlines, TAP Air Portugal, Emirates, Air France, Qatar Airways, Ethiopian Airlines, and Lufthansa, alongside the recently transferred carriers. This broad airline presence positions Luanda as a more accessible hub within Southern and West Africa, enhancing connectivity and regional integration.
The airport’s upgrade is expected to significantly reduce one of the most persistent travel challenges in Angola—airport congestion and outdated facilities—thereby improving the overall passenger experience. For the tourism sector, this development is a game-changer, facilitating easier entry for international visitors and encouraging growth in both leisure and business travel markets.
In the coming years, AIAAN’s enhanced capacity and strategic location are poised to support Angola’s ambitions to expand its tourism footprint. Improved infrastructure around the airport, coupled with increased flight frequencies and new routes by regional and international carriers, will open fresh opportunities for the travel industry across sub-Saharan Africa.
For tourism operators and stakeholders focusing on Angola, this moment heralds a new era. Marketing efforts should emphasize the airport’s state-of-the-art facilities, improved safety standards, and the richer travel experience it offers. Equally, logistical considerations around transfers and ground transport must be integrated into client advisories to ensure seamless journeys.
As Angola continues to evolve as a travel destination, the Dr António Agostinho Neto International Airport stands as a symbol of modernization and connectivity. For anyone planning trips to Luanda from 2026 onward, this airport is the essential gateway, reshaping how visitors arrive and depart from the heart of Angola.
