Angola to complete historic airport shift by March 2026, consolidating international travel hub

ANGOLA – Angola is on track to finalize the historic transfer of all airline operations from the congested 4 de Fevereiro International Airport to the new Dr. António Agostinho Neto International Airport (AIAAN) by March 2026.

With major carriers like Royal Air Maroc, Turkish Airlines, and ASKY already operational at AIAAN, airport management confirms that 99.9% of international transfers are now consolidated at the new hub, with South Africa’s Airlink set to complete the move on March 1.

A Modern Gateway to Boost Tourism and Connectivity

The transition to AIAAN, located in Icolo e Bengo approximately 40 kilometers southeast of Luanda, represents a transformative upgrade for Angolan aviation and tourism.

The new airport features significantly larger infrastructure and is designed to align with international operational best practices, enabling it to handle greater passenger volumes and larger aircraft more efficiently.

To date, AIAAN has already processed over 188,000 international travelers. Its current carrier lineup includes major global players such as TAAG Angola Airlines, Emirates, Qatar Airways, Air France, Ethiopian Airlines, TAP Air Portugal, and Lufthansa, positioning it as a competitive gateway for Southern Africa.

Strategic Growth and Enhanced Passenger Experience

The consolidation of operations at a single, modern facility directly addresses long-standing constraints of the older airport, which was operating beyond its capacity.

Airport Operations and Cargo Director Soraia de Sousa highlighted that the move supports plans to add more airlines, routes, and services in response to growing demand.

For the tourism and hospitality sector, this enhanced capacity and improved passenger experience are critical.

A streamlined, world-class airport arrival is a vital first impression for business and leisure travelers, and increased slot availability paves the way for new direct routes, potentially unlocking more tourist arrivals and supporting Angola’s ambitions to grow its tourism economy.

A Foundational Step for Economic and Tourism Ambitions

The full operational shift by March 2026 marks a foundational milestone for Angola’s infrastructure development.

An efficient, high-capacity international airport is a prerequisite for attracting increased foreign investment, fostering trade, and growing the MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) sector.

By successfully migrating carriers and demonstrating operational stability, AIAAN strengthens Angola’s position as a viable aviation hub in the region, promising to improve connectivity not only for Angola but for the broader Central and Southern African travel market.

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