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…
In this post:
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 September 15, 2025, TAAG will fully transition its operations to the new airport. 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 More importantly, perhaps, the airport is much more modern, so it won’t feel like an outdated bus depot.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 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.
With TAAG moving to its new hub airport, does anyone have a sense of what the new lounge setup is like? I imagine it will impress, no? But, like, are we talking a separate terminal where they chauffeur you to the plane, or just a la carte dining and great champagne?
Bottom line
On September 15, 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?
Agree with IvanX and Debo. Keep up the good work, Ben. This is the only blog I still check in with on a daily basis, the rest are a bit too clickbait
I’ve been waiting for a review of CEIBA Intercontinental. Please add in a route on this TAAG adventure.
The cool/mad thing about the new airport is that there's already a major international airport named after the same person - the one in nearby Pointe Noire (PNR).
SW Africa is a fascinating region, perhaps you could take a family holiday there or something. There are a few interesting carriers in the area, including FlyAngola which recently inaugurated its first cross-border route to WDH and Rwandair which has a stated ambition to join oneworld...
The cool/mad thing about the new airport is that there's already a major international airport named after the same person - the one in nearby Pointe Noire (PNR).
SW Africa is a fascinating region, perhaps you could take a family holiday there or something. There are a few interesting carriers in the area, including FlyAngola which recently inaugurated its first cross-border route to WDH and Rwandair which has a stated ambition to join oneworld and often offers keen fares from/to Europe. Definitely more than enough stuff to keep you busy.
Keep writing posts like this one and NBJ might give you the same fate as CAI.
(just kidding, of course)
I generally have no use for odd reviews but I encourage a review of TAAG. In addition, take photos of the airport. If there's a chance for a review of Luanda, the city, do that, even if very brief.
Too bad the airport isn't open in time for Air Belgium. If Air Belgium flew to Luanda, then a review of that and TAAG would be sweet.
Doooooo ittttttt!
Do it!
While your at it, maybe try to piece together a review of multiple niche or interesting carriers on the same trip. Maybe Air Senegal's A330neo, Air Tanzania's A220, Air Transat's A330 or A321LR. My vote is on Azul from Florida to Brazil, South African Airways from GRU to JNB, then TAAG back to GRU via Luanda. Then maybe Aerolineas Argentinas from EZE to MIA?
I agree with IvanX. These randomly cool, interesting topics are one of the main reasons why I love this blog. (along with the great trip reports and industry news updates.)
More of this and less of passengers-behaving-badly, please
I want to hear Sean M. on this. We have been told for 20 years that Africa was the new economic horizon, Chinese investment, less corruption, etc. etc.
I don't see the meaningful shifts toward global north (such a silly replacement for first-world) but I am sure I'm missing a lot.
Ben, I think you had enough experience back in time. Changing the Airport will not change the Airline. Remember, africa still africa and nobody will change that. Even if they pay me hard, I will never ever set a foot on that continent. They just don't want funcionality.
This is an incredibly ignorant comment and you really should be ashamed of yourself
@Nelson
Your comment tells enough of how much an ignorant person you are. Have you forgotten how much wealth and mineral resources people from your continent looted from Africa? You must be ashamed of yourself.
"Even if they pay me hard, I will never ever set a foot on that continent."
Oh... no... not THAT. (accompanying eye-roll)
Said any African, anywhere.
TAAG, with less than 10 widebodies in their fleet, is great and all, and I'd love to see a trip report on their 789.
But it surprises me that you don't have plans to fly AI's A350? Their new lounge in DEL should be opened by the end of the summer and their A350 has been flying with the new soft product for a year ish now.
This kind of post is exactly why I read this blog. I have my own obsessions and passions, in other domains, and there is hardly any reining them in. I love that you care about this enough to write about this.