When Does Angola International Airport Open?

Besieged with problems and delays, the long awaited Angola International Airport opening is said to be within the sight. The current best case being that phase 1, whilst completed in 2012 should finally open to the public in 2019, or at worst 2020 some 4 years later than planned. Once complete the new facility will be capable of handling 13 million passengers through it’s terminal and 2 runways which should see it emerge as the 3rd busiest airport in Africa, where currently Luanda International Airport languishes in 18th position handling just 1.9 million passengers (2009).
  * likely position once at full operating capacity
** passenger numbers recorded in 2009

History of Angola International Airport

Construction began in 2004 as a wider regional plan to relieve pressure from the ageing Luanda International Airport (Quatro de Fevereiro Airport) and to direct airport traffic out of the city centre. The new airport is cited some 40km south east of the city. The construction contracts was awarded to a consortium of Chinese and Brazilian companies sparking protests from the local population who felt the work should have been awarded locally. Delays were evident from the very start as the protests led to riots and civil unrest requiring police and even military intervention.



The distance from Luanda is seen as a barrier for many, however a new link road from Luanda to Malange will be construction as well as a new rail link providing direct access from the city centre to the airport. Car rentals will be available from the arrivals hall in the terminal building where the leading international and African agents will be providing car rental at Angola International Airport in time for the first flight touching down something in 2019 (or possibly 2020!).

What does it mean for Luanda Airport?

The old airport will remain in operation, however it is expected that most international airlines will move services to Angola International Airport to relieve pressure on the old airport and the city itself. Current airlines using Luanda Airport;