At the recently held 57th Annual General Assembly of the African Airlines Association (AFRAA), the Secretary of State for Land Transport, Jorge Bengue Calumbo, highlighted the ongoing transformation of Angola’s aviation ecosystem, driven by long-term reforms, new infrastructure and a growing focus on continental connectivity.
The developments taking place across the sector reflect an effort to align national capability with wider regional connectivity objectives while strengthening the foundations of safety, oversight and operational efficiency. Recent years have seen Angola pursue a structural reform programme aimed at repositioning civil aviation within the national economy. The approach has centred on stimulating sustainable economic growth, supporting economic diversification and establishing the country as a viable logistics and connectivity hub. These reforms have included open skies measures, the reorganisation of institutional responsibilities in the transport sector, strengthened regulatory oversight, targeted investment in specialised human capital and reinforced attention to operational safety. Significant investment in aviation infrastructure forms a central part of this transition.
A key milestone in the current phase of development has been the inauguration of the Dr António Agostinho Neto International Airport for passenger operations. The airport has been activated in stages, beginning with cargo operations in 2023. By late 2025, major operators, including TAAG Angola Airlines and Emirates, had transferred their activities to the new facility, with additional airlines preparing to complete their transition. An international tender process is underway to determine the long-term management structure of the airport, with the aim of ensuring efficient operations, commercial sustainability and the attraction of further investment.
Infrastructure improvements extend beyond the capital. Rehabilitation, construction and certification of airports across the country form part of the broader programme, alongside the expansion of TAAG’s fleet through the acquisition of new aircraft. The national carrier is also undergoing restructuring supported by technical advisory services, intended to align its operations with prevailing market requirements and enhance competitiveness within the evolving aviation environment.
Progress in regulatory oversight has been recognised at international level. Angola holds a seat on the International Civil Aviation Organisation Council and has been acknowledged for advances in safety oversight and the adoption of recommended standards. The most recent audit recorded a score of 83.14 percent, above the regional average, demonstrating compliance with demanding international criteria.
While domestic reforms continue, the challenges of continental air connectivity remain evident. In many instances, travel between African states still requires routing through non-African hubs, reflecting the limited availability of direct intra-continental links. This constraint underscores the need for stronger regulatory environments, resilient airlines and the creation of operational conditions that support mobility within the continent. The accelerated implementation of the Single African Air Transport Market is viewed as an important step in improving accessibility and easing connectivity barriers between African countries.
Angola’s recent progress reflects an aviation system in the midst of long-term restructuring, shaped by new infrastructure, strengthened oversight and a focus on integration within the wider African network. As these elements continue to develop, they form the basis for improved mobility and the potential for more coherent connectivity across the region.
