Angola’s new Chinese-built airport welcomes first passengers

The newly constructed Dr. Antonio Agostinho Neto International Airport (AIAAN) in Angola’s capital has officially opened to passenger traffic, completing its first arrivals and departures on Sunday morning.

According to Angola’s Ministry of Transport, the airport, situated 40 kilometers southeast of central Luanda and built by a Chinese company, handled eight round-trip flights on its inaugural day.

The routes, operated by Angola Airlines (TAAG), connected Luanda and Cabinda.

“This is a historic day for our civil aviation and for our nation.

We are all very proud.

What moves me the most is the joy visible in the eyes of all the professionals and passengers who are already making use of our new airport,” said Angola’s Minister of Transport, Ricardo D’Abreu, to the press.

D’Abreu further revealed plans to expand routes from the new airport to eastern provinces by early December.

Additionally, all domestic and international flights currently handled by Luanda’s Quatro de Fevereiro Airport will be transferred to AIAAN by 31 March next year.

The new airport, which has already been assigned the IATA code NBJ, aims to enhance Angola’s aviation capabilities.

Constructed by China National Aero-technology International Engineering Corporation, the facility is designed to accommodate up to 15 million passengers annually and handle 130,000 tonnes of air cargo, positioning itself as a key aviation hub in Southern Africa.

In an interview with Xinhua, D’Abreu emphasized, “China remains a crucial partner for Angola, facilitating the development of major infrastructure in our country, including Dr. Antonio Agostinho Neto International Airport.”

The minister also highlighted plans to incorporate the airport into the newly established province of Icolo e Bengo and develop an “airport city” to stimulate economic growth and investment opportunities in the surrounding region.

TAAG’s General Director Nelson Oliveira, one of the first passengers to use the airport, expressed his company’s enthusiasm for the new facility, referring to it as their new “home.”

“We will gradually transfer all our staff and equipment to operate exclusively at the new airport,” he stated.

Oliveira praised the modern and advanced design of the Chinese-built airport, adding, “It will enable greater development and service enhancements.

Here, we can better serve our passengers, attract more clients, and deliver superior service quality.”