Maybe I just need a new hobby, but the opening of Luanda’s new airport sure is making me yearn for another (masochistic) journey through Luanda on TAAG Angola Airlines…
Operations moving to Luanda’s new airport
Luanda is the capital of Angola, the oil-rich country on the southwest coast of Africa. Historically, Quatro de Fevereiro Airport (LAD) has been the city’s international airport. However, a lot of money has been invested into a new international airport, and we’re progressively seeing flights move over there.
The new airport is named Dr. António Agostinho Neto International Airport (NBJ). Up until this point, a limited number of domestic TAAG flights have been moved over to the new airport, as part of a phased transition. However, it looks like the airline will fully be moving its operations over soon.
As of October 19, 2025, TAAG will fully transition its operations to the new airport. Note that this transition was initially planned for September 15, 2025, but ended up being postponed, and the new date has now been provided, for just over a week from now.
The new facility greatly expands airport capacity for the city, as it can handle up to 15 million passengers annually, nearly double the capacity of the old airport. More importantly, perhaps, the airport is much more modern, so it won’t feel like an outdated bus depot.
The new airport also has a new “flagship” lounge for TAAG. It looks fine, but for such a big investment in a brand new airport, it doesn’t strike me as being particularly remarkable.
The goal is that this airport will contribute to a big economic boost for the country, and for Angola’s flag carrier. TAAG has huge growth aspirations — not only is the airline modernizing its fleet, but it’s growing it substantially, and even plans to start flying to the United States.
I kind of want to fly with TAAG again… why, though?!
I probably need my head checked, because I’m mighty tempted to take another journey on TAAG. For those who aren’t longtime readers, for years I was kind of obsessed with the airline, because:
- TAAG has first class on its 777s, so it was one of the only airlines in the world I hadn’t flown in first class
- I always found TAAG to be sort of mysterious, and there were virtually no reviews online about the airline
- I sort of love TAAG’s livery, and a nice livery makes me want to fly with an airline, because I’m that kind of an aviation geek
So in 2018, I flew TAAG first class from Lisbon to Sao Paulo via (Luanda), as one does, and it was… a memorable experience.
But hey, apparently TAAG has undergone a major modernization in recent years, and I imagine that must also apply to the company’s approach to customer service and welcoming guests… right?!
I really want to fly the carrier’s new Boeing 787-9 and Airbus A220-300. As luck would have it, I could fly from Johannesburg to Luanda to Sao Paulo on those planes, with the total business class fare being around $1,000. Maybe there are better deals out there, but it’s literally the first city pair I looked up, and that seems tough to beat.
Speaking of which, this would be part of a much bigger aviation trip to Africa, as there are several airlines on the continent I want to check out.
Bottom line
On October 19, 2025, TAAG Angola Airlines is making the move to Luanda’s new airport. This facility is much larger and more modern than the old facility, and is intended to reflect the country’s ambitions when it comes to international connectivity. This also comes as TAAG is undergoing a significant expansion. I think it might be time for another TAAG trip. Hopefully I don’t get yelled at by employees this time.
Anyone else intrigued by Luanda’s new airport, and the “refreshed” TAAG?
