TAAG Angola Airlines confirmed it will transfer all international flights to the new Dr. António Agostinho Neto International Airport (NBJ) on 19 October 2025, completing a phased relocation from Quatro de Fevereiro (LAD) and marking a major step in Angola’s aviation modernisation. The move consolidates TAAG’s international and many domestic operations at the Bom Jesus (Icolo e Bengo) site.
The airline says flights to major international destinations: Lisbon, São Paulo, Johannesburg, Cape Town, Lagos, Windhoek, São Tomé, Maputo and Nairobi, as well as seasonal services to Porto and Havana, will operate exclusively from NBJ from that date. TAAG advised passengers to allow extra time for check-in and use a dedicated shuttle service connecting the old and new airports during the transition.
What changed and why it matters
- Who: TAAG Angola Airlines (the national flag carrier).
- What: Full transfer of international flight operations to Dr. António Agostinho Neto International Airport (NBJ).
- Where: NBJ (IATA: NBJ), located in Bom Jesus, Icolo e Bengo Province, roughly 40 km from central Luanda.
- When: Effective 19 October 2025 per the airline’s announcement.
- Why: The new airport offers expanded capacity (design capacity ~15 million passengers/year), modern infrastructure and cargo handling, as part of Angola’s plan to develop Luanda as a regional hub.
Operational implications
- Passenger travel: Travellers must plan for longer ground transfers, NBJ sits outside central Luanda. TAAG recommends allowing extra time and using shuttle services offered during the transition window.
- Partner airlines and connections: While TAAG moves its services, some partner carriers may shift on different schedules. Airports and ground handlers must coordinate to avoid missed connections. Industry bulletins indicate the move is phased and airlines are coordinating slot swaps.
- Cargo and logistics: NBJ’s larger cargo capability could boost Angola’s exports and inbound freight capacity, supporting trade growth and future cargo routes. The airport’s longer runways and modern ramp infrastructure enable larger freighters.
Timeline
- 10 Nov 2023: New Luanda airport (NBJ) formally inaugurated (construction phases continued afterward).
- Nov 2024 – 2025: Progressive move of domestic and regional services from Quatro de Fevereiro to NBJ; TAAG operated initial services from NBJ during the phased rollout.
- 19 Oct 2025: Target date for TAAG’s full transfer of international services to NBJ.
Regional hub ambitions
Angola built NBJ as a future-ready gateway with capacity that exceeds the old Quatro de Fevereiro airport. Government and airport operator statements frame the switch as a deliberate pivot to increase trade, tourism and connectivity across southern Africa and the Atlantic routes to Latin America and Europe. If fully realised, the move could shift trans-Africa routing patterns and encourage more carriers to schedule services via Luanda.
What’s next? Industry outlook
- Short term: Expect passenger advisories, revised timetables and shuttle/ground-transport coordination notices from TAAG and NBJ operators. Airlines and ground handlers will publish terminal assignments and lounge access details.
- Medium term: Traffic growth, cargo route development and incremental airline network changes will follow as NBJ ramps to full capacity; authorities will monitor airport accessibility and local transport upgrades.
- Watch for: Partner airlines’ migration schedules, slot coordination updates, and any temporary disruptions to interline connections during the first weeks of full operation. Follow TAAG’s official channels for real-time flight updates.
Key sources & further reading
- TAAG official advisory, Transfer of international flights to AIAAN (NBJ).
- Airspace Africa, TAAG Angola Airlines Completes Historic Move to New Dr. António Agostinho Neto International Airport, 8 Oct 2025.
- AviationWeek, TAAG set to complete move to Angola’s new Luanda airport, 9 Oct 2025.
- Centre for Aviation (CAPA), TAAG to complete relocation to new Luanda Airport in Oct-2025, 8 Oct 2025.
- AeroRoutes / TravelDailyNews coverage summarising route changes and effective dates.
