Dr. Antonio Agostinho Neto International Airport (AIAAN) in Angola’s capital, Luanda, has just recently commenced its operations. This airport project that was constructed at a whopping cost of $3.8 billion.
This mega airport project comes to life after a two-decade deadlock. It is located approximately 40 kilometers Southeast of Luanda and has the capacity of handling 15 million passengers and 130,000 tons of cargo every year.
Dr. Antonio Agostinho Neto International Airport (AIAAN) Project Factsheet
Name: Dr. Antonio Agostinho Neto International Airport (AIAAN)
Developer/Contractor: China National Aero-technology International Engineering Corporation
Cost: $3.8 billion
Capacity: 15 million passengers annually, 130, 000 tons of cargo every year.
Location: 40 kilometers Southeast of Luanda
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Significance of the Project
This new airport project is considered to be quite critical for the country’s development in that it will boost economic growth and also improve connectivity in the entire surrounding region.
This airport is named after the first president of Angola. On the 10th of November 2024, the TAAG Airlines Angola did operate its first commercial passenger flight from this brand-new airport. This indeed marking a very significant milestone for the airport project.
Also read: Angola Opens New $3 Billion Dr. António Agostinho Neto International Airport
The AIAAN was constructed by the China National Aero-technology International Engineering Corporation. As reported by China Daily this is the largest airport project ever built by any Chinese firm or enterprise outside of China.
Significant Timelines of the Project
This airport project was launched initially in the year 2005. The construction works commenced in the year 2013. There was a contract termination in the year 2017 which foresaw securing of a new arrangement in the year 2020.
Significantly, this airport project was financed by China. However, Angola maintains full authority and control over this brand new operations.
Upon completion of this airport project in the year 2023, the president of Angola Joao Lourenco inaugurated this airport project setting the pace for the start of cargo operations in the month of February 2024.
However, the very first passenger flight was delayed until the 10th of November 2024.
The Airport Commences Operations
On its first day of flight operations, this brand new airport saw a total of eight round trip flights running between Luanda and Cabinda, operations being run by TAAG.
“This is indeed a celebratory and historic day for both the civil aviation and our country as a whole. We are all very delighted. What really stands out to me is just the joy in the eyes of all the professionals and passengers already using our brand new airport,” said the Angolan Minister of Transport.
This brand new airport will become a crucial hub for Sub-Saharan Africa region and compete Johannesburg- OR Tambo International Airport in South Africa. This airport project shows the commitment of Angola of becoming an aviation hub in the region. Lastly with the ambition of rivaling the South African airport, this just indicates the country’s effort to boosting its aviation status in the African region.
Also read: Angola re-launches construction of new Luanda International Airport
