Last updated: January 2025

Angola, on the western coast of Southern Africa, is a country of outstanding natural beauty and increasingly important economic position. It is now becoming an increasingly popular destination for business and tourism alike, and demand for flights to Angola has grown correspondingly over the last decade or so. Whether for leisure or work, gaining an understanding of airline options and flight routes will assist you in your travel to make your journey smooth and enjoyable. This guide covers the main airlines, flight routes, and tips for traveling to Angola.

International Airports in Angola

Main International airport serving Angola is Quatro de Fevereiro International Airport (LAD), Luanda. Quatro de Fevereiro is an airport and the biggest Angolan airport, serving both international and domestic flights. The airport connects several regions across Africa, Europe, the Middle East, and the Americas.

Location: It is situated 4 kilometers away from the center of Luanda.

Facilities: It has all the basic facilities such as restaurants, duty-free shops, banking facilities, and car rental services. The airport is functional but relatively small compared with other main African airports. Travelers should thus be prepared for possible congestion during peak travel times.

Besides Luanda, Lubango Mukanka Airport (SDD) and Catumbela Airport (CBT) also receive some international flights, though at a much smaller scale compared to Luanda.

Major Airlines Flying to Angola

International and regional airlines fly in Angola, although most international routes connect through Luanda. Below are major airlines that ply flights into Angola through direct and connecting flights.

TAAG Angola Airlines

TAAG Angola Airlines is the Angolan national carrier and the most utilized airline when it comes to flights to and from Angola. The TAAG operates on both domestic and international routes, providing easy flights between major Angolan cities and other destinations in Europe, Africa, and South America.

Popular Routes Include:

• Luanda to Lisbon (Portugal)
• Luanda to Johannesburg (South Africa)
• Luanda to São Paulo (Brazil)
• Luanda to Paris (France)
• Luanda to Dubai (UAE)

Fleet and Service: TAAG operates a modern fleet; Boeing 777s and 737s, offering business and economy-class services. Though TAAG has been improving its services lately, there is still a possibility for travelers to experience delays.

Air France

Air France flies regularly from Paris-Charles de Gaulle to Luanda. As the major European flying company, Air France is generally one of the favorite airlines for people traveling from Europe and other parts of the world through Paris.

The Air France Popular Route is: From Paris to Luanda

Connections include: Through its Paris hub, Air France provides easy connections to Angola from across Europe, North America, and Asia.

TAP Air Portugal

TAP Air Portugal operates frequent flights from Lisbon to Luanda. Because of the historical ties between Angola and Portugal, TAP is one of the favorite airlines that operate between Europe and Angola.

It’s Popular Route is: Lisbon to Luanda

Connections: Offering easy and accessible connections from other European cities, TAP is a good option for travelers originating from Spain, Germany, and the UK.

Emirates

Emirates provides flights from Dubai to Luanda, having superior services that are connected to major destinations in Asia, Europe, and North America. It is a premium service provider and hence offers the appropriate route for business people and tourists as well.

Popular Route: Dubai to Luanda

Connections: The passengers can connect to Luanda from various global destinations inclusive of Middle East cities, Indian, and East Asia.

South African Airways

South African Airways have flights between Johannesburg and Luanda. This gives a direct link between the two large economic hubs in Southern Africa.

Popular Route: Johannesburg to Luanda

Connections: SAA provides easy connections to other Southern African cities, such as Cape Town, Durban, and Windhoek.

Ethiopian Airlines

Ethiopian Airlines operate flights from Addis Ababa to Luanda and therefore provide the crucial connection between East Africa and Angola. Ethiopian Airlines flies to numerous destinations across Africa and other parts of the world.

Popular Route: Addis Ababa to Luanda

Connections: Ethiopian Airlines offer connecting flights to European, Asian, and North American major cities.

Brussels Airlines

Brussels Airlines operate directly between Brussels and Luanda, hence very convenient for travelers emanating from Belgium and European countries that surround it.

Popular Route: Brussels to Luanda

Connections: One can easily access other European cities and the connections to the US and Canada via their hub, Brussels.

Flight Routes to Angola

There are flights to Angola from various regions: Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and South America. Based on their location, a person is more likely to pass through a major hub connecting those places.

Flight from Europe

Europe is one of the primary regions that have direct flights to Angola, especially from Portugal, France, and Belgium.

• Lisbon - Luanda: Flights take place several times a week with TAP Air Portugal and TAAG Angola Airlines, making it the most frequent European route.
• Paris - Luanda: Air France flies to Luanda regularly from Charles de Gaulle.
• Brussels - Luanda: From the Belgian capital, Brussels Airlines offers flights to Luanda.

Flights from Africa

There are many regional flights between Luanda and African capitals, making regional travel relatively manageable between neighboring countries.

Johannesburg to Luanda: Several flights by South African Airways and TAAG Angola Airlines exist linking Angola to Southern Africa through Johannesburg and Luanda.

Addis Ababa to Luanda: Ethiopian Airlines provide a direct flight that connects East Africa with Angola.

Windhoek to Luanda: TAAG Angola Airlines operate a flight linking the capital of Namibia to Luanda.

From the Middle East

Emirates flies the popular route from Dubai to Luanda that mainly connects Angola with the Middle East and offers more comfortable connections to Asia and Europe.

Dubai to Luanda: The Emirates airlines fly several times in a week from Dubai International Airport to Luanda.

From South America

The long-established relations of Angola with Brazil on both historic and economic grounds have opened a direct route serviced by TAAG Angola Airlines between São Paulo and Luanda.

São Paulo to Luanda: TAAG Angola Airlines operate this intercontinental flight between Brazil and Angola, with this connection between the two nations providing direct service.

Tips for Traveling by Flight to Angola

A voyage to Angola can indeed be very exciting, but a good deal of preparation may raise such a journey to a whole new level. Following are some aspects one should pay attention to:

• Book in Advance

Flights to Angola are particularly always on demand, especially from Europe and Africa; these could be a bit expensive, especially during peak seasons. It's always advisable to book flights well in advance for better prices and availability.

• Visa Requirements

Make sure you have the correct visa in order to enter Angola. Angola has an eVisa system, but you have to apply for the Angola visa prior to travelling. Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months from the date of intended entry.

• Health and Vaccination

Angola requires that all travelers arriving in the country provide proof of Yellow Fevervaccination. You also should check with your doctor about other vaccinations as well as taking necessary precautions for malaria, which is rampant in Angola.

• Flight Delays and Weather

Weather conditions, particularly during Angola's rainy season, running from November to April, may interfere with flight timetables. Monitor weather forecasts and expect delays sometimes, particularly when flying into or from regional airports.

• Airport Transfers

Book your airport transfer in advance if you are arriving in the middle of the night. Luanda has some types of transport, like taxis and ride-sharing, but it is safer to book an airport transfer service in advance with your hotel or a reputed service provider.

With international airlines flying both direct and connecting flights, it has never been easier to travel to Angola. Travelers can be conveniently whisked into Angola from major European, African, and Middle Eastern hubs. So your journey is as smooth and enjoyable as you would want it, it is important to plan ahead irrespective of whether you may be flying with TAAG Angola Airlines or any other leading carrier like Emirates or TAP Air Portugal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which airlines have direct flights to Angola?

There are several international airlines providing direct flights to Angola, especially to Luanda's Quatro de Fevereiro International Airport. Major air carriers include TAAG Angola Airlines, Air France, Lufthansa, Ethiopian Airlines, and Turkish Airlines. Direct flights can be taken from Paris, Lisbon, Frankfurt, Addis Ababa, and Istanbul.

What is the main international airport in Angola?

The main international airport in Angola is Quatro de Fevereiro International Airport, commonly known as and referred to herein as 4 de Fevereiro Airport, or LAD, which is located in the nation's capital, Luanda. It serves most international and domestic flights and is a hub for TAAG Angola Airlines.

What is the recommended arrival time at the airport for flights to Angola?

It is always recommended to reach the airport 3 hours in advance in case of an international flight, taking into consideration the time it takes for check-in procedures and security checks, plus any vaccination checks.

Can domestic flights in Angola be booked?

Yes, TAAG Angola Airlines and a few smaller airlines fly domestic routes that connect major cities with parts of the Angolan interior, such as flights to Huambo, Lubango, and Cabinda. It is advisable to book ahead of time because domestic flights can be sporadic.

Can You Explain Baggage Restrictions for Flights to Angola?

The luggage restriction depends on the airline of the country, but most major international flights to Angola provide passengers with the facility to take one luggage as checked in, weighing about 23 kg or 50 lbs, along with one carry-on. But different airlines can have different policies regarding airline and class tickets.

Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only, and though the best most updated suggestions are provided, travel conditions or requirements for safety might change. It's always best to check with the current situation of relevant airlines or a travel agency before you go.