Ethiopian Airlines Relocates All Luanda Flights to New António Agostinho Neto International Airport from 16 December 2025, Enhancing Passenger Experience and Connectivity

Published on December 16, 2025

By: Paramita Sarkar

Ethiopian Airlines is making a significant move in Luanda, Angola. Starting from 16 December 2025, all flights operated by the airline to and from Luanda will be relocated from the existing Quatro de Fevereiro International Airport (LAD) to the newly inaugurated António Agostinho Neto International Airport (NBJ). This transition marks a pivotal change in the airline’s operations in Angola and reflects the growth of Luanda as a major travel hub in Southern Africa.

Who is Affected by the Airport Change?

The airport change will primarily impact passengers traveling with Ethiopian Airlines to and from Luanda, one of the major cities in Africa. The move will affect all of Ethiopian Airlines’ flights arriving in or departing from the Angolan capital. The airline operates regular flights between Ethiopia’s Addis Ababa Bole International Airport (ADD) and Luanda, with this relocation affecting both the airline’s local and international operations to the city.

Ethiopian Airlines has long maintained strong connectivity between Luanda and key international destinations, and this shift to the new airport in Luanda will facilitate further growth for the airline and enhance passenger convenience. The relocation will streamline operations and ensure a smoother experience for travelers flying with Ethiopian Airlines.

What is the New António Agostinho Neto International Airport?

The António Agostinho Neto International Airport (NBJ) is the newest addition to Angola’s expanding transport infrastructure. The airport is named after Angola’s first president, António Agostinho Neto, and represents a major investment in the country’s aviation sector. It is designed to accommodate increasing air traffic and provide state-of-the-art facilities for both passengers and airlines. With its modern infrastructure, NBJ aims to improve connectivity between Luanda and the world while enhancing Angola’s role as a key air travel hub in Africa.

Located in the southern part of Luanda, the new airport is set to become a vital gateway for international flights to Angola, making it easier for passengers to access the capital and the surrounding regions. With its upgraded terminal facilities, increased capacity, and advanced technologies, the airport is poised to offer a more efficient and comfortable travel experience for Ethiopian Airlines passengers.

When Will the Change Take Effect?

The change in Ethiopian Airlines’ flight operations will officially begin on 16 December 2025. From this date forward, all flights from Luanda will operate exclusively through the new António Agostinho Neto International Airport. Passengers are advised to check their flight details before traveling to ensure they are going to the correct airport. Ethiopian Airlines has provided ample notice for passengers, ensuring that all logistics surrounding the transition are clearly communicated.

For those unfamiliar with the new airport, Ethiopian Airlines has detailed information available regarding the location, access routes, and amenities at NBJ. The airline encourages travelers to arrive early to familiarize themselves with the new airport’s layout and ensure a smooth transition through security, check-in, and other essential airport procedures.

Where Are Ethiopian Airlines’ Luanda Flights Coming From and Going To?

Ethiopian Airlines operates flights between Addis Ababa, Ethiopia’s capital, and Luanda, Angola. This change will affect all flights that connect these two important cities. The airline’s route between Addis Ababa and Luanda has been essential for both business and tourism, facilitating travel between Ethiopia and Angola and beyond. Ethiopian Airlines’ extensive network also connects Luanda to a variety of international destinations, such as those in Europe, Asia, and North America, making the move to the new airport even more significant for connecting global travelers to Angola.

Why is Ethiopian Airlines Moving to the New Airport?

The relocation of Ethiopian Airlines’ operations to António Agostinho Neto International Airport is in line with the airline’s ongoing efforts to provide better service to its passengers and ensure more efficient operations. The new airport offers better infrastructure, larger capacity, and more modern facilities, all of which will enhance the passenger experience. It also supports the airline’s goal to align with Angola’s continued development in aviation, providing increased access to key markets.

Furthermore, the move is strategically timed with the growing demand for travel to Angola, particularly from international travelers seeking to explore business and tourism opportunities in the country. By operating out of the new airport, Ethiopian Airlines can more effectively cater to this demand while continuing to promote Angola as a key destination on the African continent.

How Will the Change Impact Passengers?

The move to the new airport will benefit passengers traveling with Ethiopian Airlines in multiple ways. With better facilities at NBJ, passengers can expect a more seamless and efficient airport experience. The new airport offers a wide range of amenities, including modern check-in counters, streamlined security procedures, improved lounges, and dining options. Additionally, the airport’s larger capacity will reduce congestion, making it easier for travelers to navigate through the terminals.

Passengers flying from Luanda on Ethiopian Airlines should also expect enhanced flight operations due to the upgraded infrastructure. The improved airport services will allow for quicker boarding processes and better on-ground handling of baggage, leading to a smoother journey overall.

Conclusion: A Bright Future for Ethiopian Airlines and Luanda

The relocation to António Agostinho Neto International Airport is a sign of both Ethiopian Airlines’ commitment to enhancing its operations in Angola and Angola’s growing role as a transportation hub in Southern Africa. This strategic move, starting 16 December 2025, underscores the importance of continuous infrastructure development in Africa’s aviation sector, contributing to better connectivity, improved services, and an overall more pleasant travel experience for Ethiopian Airlines’ passengers.

With this change, Ethiopian Airlines continues to strengthen its network in Africa, ensuring that Luanda remains an important gateway for travelers connecting to Ethiopia and other parts of the world.

Image: Ethiopian Airlines