Luanda, Angola – The Dr. António Agostinho Neto International Airport (AIAAN), located near Luanda, is set to open today, November 10, 2023, inaugurated by President João Lourenço. The new airport, situated 40 kilometers from Angola’s capital in the commune of Bom Jesus, municipality of Icolo e Bengo, represents a significant development in the nation’s infrastructure.
According to Angola Press News Agency, The opening of AIAAN, as per the Angolan Government’s announcement, will occur in phases. Initially, the airport will focus on cargo services until February 2024. The second phase, starting in February 2024, will introduce domestic flight operations, followed by the commencement of international flight operations in June 2024.
The gradual opening of the airport, which cost US$ 2.8 billion, is for safety reasons, including testing, certification, staff training, and assessing actual demand. The provisional certification is due to the lack of sufficient experience in infrastructure operations. The airport extends over an area of 1,324 hectares, with a cargo capacity of 130,000 tons/year, and is expected to handle 15 million passengers annually.
AIAAN is equipped with two parallel runways, capable of accommodating large aircraft like the B747 and A380. The south runway, the largest, successfully hosted a Boeing 777 experimental flight from TAAG Angola Airlines in June 2022. The airport features 31 boarding lanes, 9 conveyor belts for baggage, and facilities including 26 counters of the Immigration and Foreigners Service (SME), parking for 1,710 vehicles, and commercial spaces.
The airport also boasts 22 VIP lounges, a clinic, a first aid center, and ramps and elevators for people with reduced mobility. Planned as a HUB with domestic, regional, and international connections, AIAAN is set to be Angola’s main gateway to the world.
The Angolan Government expects the airport to boost national and regional air transport, benefiting approximately 415 million inhabitants in the sub-region. It is anticipated to play a crucial role in increasing tourism and promoting Angola’s culture, history, and identity, thus attracting tourists and investors.
The airport is designed to facilitate the export of products like vegetables, tropical fruits, seafood, and fish, according to José Nóbrega, the property’s Operational Office coordinator. Public transport access to the new airport has been ensured, including new train and bus stations.
The construction of AIAAN dates back to the 1990s, with significant milestones including the Council of Ministers’ resolution in 1997 and a feasibility study in 2005. The current management of the airport is temporary, with a concession process for long-term management underway.
