The new Dr. António Agostinho Neto International Airport in Luanda, Angola, is transforming air travel in Southern Africa by expanding connectivity and tourism. Officially opened in 2022 with passenger flights starting in late 2024, AIAAN aims to shift the air traffic balance currently favoring North Africa. By March 2025, all flights from the existing airport will move to AIAAN, which will handle 10 million international passengers annually, bolstering tourism and regional accessibility.
The Dr. António Agostinho Neto International Airport (AIAAN) in Luanda, Angola, is revolutionizing air travel and tourism in Southern Africa. This new airport fosters expanded travel opportunities to less frequented locales within the region, contributing to a more diverse travel landscape as global air travel revives following the pandemic.
Officially opened in November 2022, AIAAN saw passenger flights commence in late 2024, marking a significant milestone in Angola’s aviation sector. The establishment of AIAAN coincides with efforts to modernize aviation infrastructure throughout Africa, enhancing accessibility for international and regional travelers alike.
According to the African Airlines Association, about 98 million passengers flew to Africa last year, though the majority of air traffic is concentrated in North Africa, which accounts for 40.4% of total continent passenger volume. AIAAN seeks to shift this imbalance by emerging as an essential aviation hub in the southern part of the continent, thereby facilitating travel routes.
By the end of March 2025, all domestic and international flights from Luanda’s current Quatro de Fevereiro Airport will transition to AIAAN, reinforcing its status as the main air transport gateway for Angola. Constructed by the China National Aero-technology International Engineering Corporation, the airport is projected to accommodate 10 million international and 5 million domestic passengers each year, significantly enhancing tourism and business travel in the region.
The inauguration of AIAAN also aligns with broader initiatives to modernize Africa’s aviation framework, supporting economic growth and greater connectivity. With its advanced facilities, AIAAN is poised to stimulate regional tourism development, attract more airlines, and increase direct flight options, ultimately establishing Luanda as a major international transit hub.
The Dr. António Agostinho Neto International Airport is set to significantly enhance air travel and tourism in Southern Africa. Its modern facilities and increased capacity are expected to shift air traffic dynamics, provide expanded travel options, and improve international connectivity. Furthermore, the relocation of flights from Quatro de Fevereiro Airport will cement AIAAN’s position as Angola’s primary air transport gateway, supporting regional economic growth and tourism development.
Original Source: www.travelandtourworld.com
