Luanda: The Deputy Governor of the Icolo and Bengo Province, Agostinho Ant³nio, has announced that the upcoming launch of international flights will significantly enhance economic activities in the region. Set to commence on the 19th of this month, these flights are expected to benefit hotels, restaurants, and resorts near the Ant³nio Agostinho Neto International Airport (AIAAN).
According to Angola Press News Agency, the Deputy Governor expressed optimism about the transfer of international flights from Luanda’s 4 de Fevereiro Airport to AIAAN. This move is anticipated to create numerous job opportunities in the area. The airport’s perimeter, particularly along National Road (EN) 230, hosts four two- and three-star hotels with a combined capacity of 250 beds, ready to accommodate incoming travelers.
The area’s economic potential extends beyond hotels. Several restaurants and resorts are also strategically located within the airport’s vicinity, poised to benefit from increased tourist traffic. This development is likely to result in the creation of both direct and indirect employment opportunities.
The Deputy Governor highlighted that, initially, the tourism sub-sectors are expected to experience a surge in economic activity with the launch of international flights from the new airport, situated in the Bom Jesus municipality. Additionally, if passenger volumes rise, the demand for expanded airport services will necessitate the recruitment of more staff, further bolstering job creation.
The transition of international flights marks a significant shift in Angola’s aviation operations. By the end of November, the nine airlines currently operating in Angola will have fully transferred their international commercial flights to AIAAN, ceasing operations at Luanda’s 4 de Fevereiro International Airport. TAAG (Angola Airways) will lead this transition, with its inaugural international flight scheduled to arrive at AIAAN from Johannesburg, South Africa, at 3:00 a.m. on October 19.
TAAG’s final international departure from the 4 de Fevereiro airport is slated for 11:50 p.m. on October 18, bound for Lisbon, Portugal. This transition completes the airline’s move to the new airport, a process initiated in November 2024 with the relocation of domestic flights on various routes including Icolo and Bengo/Cabinda, Icolo e Bengo/Soyo (Zaire), Icolo e Bengo/Saurimo (Lunda-Sul), and Icolo e Bengo/Ondjiva (Cunene).