ANGOLA’S new Dr. Antonio Agostinho Neto International Airport (AIAAN) has officially opened, marking a significant milestone in the country’s aviation history. The new airport, located 40 kilometres southeast of Luanda, the capital, began passenger operations on Sunday morning with eight round-trip flights between Luanda and Cabinda, operated by Angola Airlines (TAAG).
‘This is a historic day for Angola’s civil aviation and for the country. It’s a moment of great pride for us all,’ said Minister of Transport Ricardo D’Abreu. ‘The joy in the eyes of professionals and passengers already using the airport is what stands out to me.’
Plans for expansion and increased connectivity
By December, Angola plans to expand flight routes from AIAAN to the country’s eastern provinces. By March 31 next year, all domestic and international flights will be transferred from Luanda’s Quatro de Fevereiro Airport to the new facility, which has already been assigned the International Air Transport Association code ‘NBJ.’
The airport, constructed by China National Aero-technology International Engineering Corporation, is designed to handle 15 million passengers and 130,000 tonnes of airmail annually. It is set to become a major aviation hub in southern Africa.
Airport built with Chinese partnership
The construction of AIAAN is part of a broader partnership between Angola and China. Minister D’Abreu praised China for being a key partner in the development of crucial infrastructure such as the new airport, which will play a pivotal role in Angola’s economic development. ‘China represents a significant partner for Angola, helping us build vital infrastructure like this airport,’ he said in an interview with Xinhua news agency.
The new airport will also fall under the jurisdiction of the newly established Icolo e Bengo Province. In addition, plans are underway to develop an ‘airport city’ around AIAAN, creating new business and investment opportunities.
TAAG CEO praises new facility
Nelson Oliveira, CEO of TAAG, was one of the first passengers to fly through the new airport. He expressed pride in the new facility, calling it a ‘modern and advanced’ infrastructure. ‘This will allow us to serve our passengers better and offer higher-quality services, which will attract more customers,’ Oliveira said. He also confirmed that TAAG would gradually relocate all its operations to the new airport, making it the airline’s new ‘home.’
With AIAAN now operational, Angola looks set to further strengthen its position as a key player in southern Africa’s aviation sector.
