TAAG Moves to New $3.8B Luanda Airport Hub

TAAG Angola Airlines is preparing for a significant transition, moving its operations to the newly built New Luanda International Airport (NBJ) in Angola’s capital, Luanda. With a $3.8 billion investment, this modern aviation hub is part of Angola’s strategic plan to position itself as a prominent player in regional aviation.

Transition Begins with Domestic Flights

Starting November 10, TAAG will shift its first commercial route from the existing Quatro de Fevereiro Luanda International Airport (LAD) to NBJ, also named Dr. António Agostinho Neto Airport. The inaugural route will connect NBJ with Cabinda, Angola’s northern exclave, which sees high traffic and frequent flights. This route, operated four times daily using the De Havilland Canada Dash 8-400 aircraft with a seating capacity of 74, was selected to test the operational capabilities of NBJ around the clock.

Throughout the transition, TAAG will add other domestic routes to the new airport, including flights to Dundo, Saurimo, Luena, and Soyo by December 2024. International routes are expected to make the move by early 2025, marking a full-scale shift from LAD to NBJ and solidifying the new facility as Angola’s primary international gateway.

NBJ: A Modern Airport with Expanded Capacity

Located about 26 miles from central Luanda, the new airport is designed to accommodate the rising demand in Angola’s air travel sector. Equipped with two runways—a 13,780-foot northern runway and a 12,467-foot southern runway—NBJ has the capacity to handle 15 million passengers annually. In addition to passenger services, the airport’s first phase includes facilities capable of processing 130,000 tons of cargo per year, bolstering Angola’s role in regional logistics.

NBJ also features a comprehensive terminal with amenities including a hotel, shops, and a variety of restaurants, enhancing the travel experience for both domestic and international passengers. Built on a sprawling 43-hectare site, the state-owned project by AVIC has been a decade in the making, with various delays impacting its completion timeline. Now, with its infrastructure ready for operations, NBJ is set to become a central hub for African air travel.

Cargo Operations and Testing for Commercial Flights

While NBJ’s official passenger operations will commence this month, the airport has been active in cargo services since January 2024. TAAG conducted its first test flights for passenger services in August, assessing the airport’s facilities, systems, and readiness for the full transition.

A Strategic Move for TAAG and Angola’s Aviation Growth

The new airport aligns with TAAG’s growth strategy, supporting its goal of becoming a competitive regional airline and establishing Angola as an important link within Africa’s aviation network. The added capacity and upgraded infrastructure at NBJ will allow TAAG to expand its domestic and international reach, positioning Luanda as a viable connection point for travel between Africa and other continents.

By early 2025, with both domestic and international flights fully transitioned to NBJ, Angola will have one of the most advanced airports in the region, equipped to meet the demands of modern air travel. TAAG’s move to NBJ signals a new chapter for Angola’s aviation industry, with enhanced facilities and increased connectivity for travelers and businesses across the continent.

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