Dr. António Agostinho Neto International Airport (NBJ)

Location 

The Dr. António Agostinho Neto International Airport (NBJ) is located in the commune of Bom Jesus, within the municipality of Ícolo e Bengo in the Luanda Province of Angola. Geographically, it is situated approximately 40 to 45 kilometers southeast of Luanda's city center. The airport sits at an elevation of roughly 156 to 159 meters (512 to 522 feet) above mean sea level, with its coordinates positioned at approximately 9°03′S latitude and 13°30′E longitude.

The location was strategically chosen to overcome the physical and operational limitations of Luanda's older Quatro de Fevereiro Airport, which was heavily constrained by urban encroachment within the city's saturated core. By moving the aviation hub to the expansive Bom Jesus site, the airport complex is able to span a massive sector of 50 to 75 square kilometers, providing a significant buffer for noise abatement and future industrial expansion.

Furthermore, this relocation aligns with broader urban planning initiatives to decentralize the capital and spark economic activity along the Luanda-Bengo corridor. The airport is strategically positioned approximately 20 to 25 kilometers from the Luanda-Bengo Special Economic Zone (ZEE) in Viana, creating a powerful multi-modal synergy between aviation, manufacturing, and regional logistics.

 Driving and Parking

• Routes: If you are driving or taking a rental car, the primary route is the Estrada de Catete (EN-230) dual carriageway. A new alternative, the Second Circular Road (A3), also links the airport to Zango 8000,.
• Parking Infrastructure: The airport features an advanced, automated parking system managed by Jieshun. The facilities include over 1,000 spaces equipped with 14 entrances and exits, automatic pay stations, and localized software in Portuguese,. Rental car offices are also available if you prefer to hire a vehicle for your stay.

Car rental at the new international airport

Location of Rental Car Counters

• The rental car offices are located on the ground floor (Arrivals Level) of the main terminal, in the dedicated Car Rental Zone.
• After you exit customs and baggage claim, look for clear signage saying "Aluguer de Carros" or "Rent a Car / Car Rental".
• Most companies have their counters inside the terminal, but some may require a short shuttle bus ride to their off-site parking lot (this is common at many new airports).

Major Car Rental Companies Operating at NBJ (as of 2025)

The following companies have desks or official representation at the new airport:

• Hertz
• Avis / Budget
• Sixt
• Europcar
• Local operators (such as Angola Rent a Car, Localiza, and smaller Angolan companies)

Note: Availability can vary. The biggest international brands (Hertz, Avis, Sixt) usually have the best fleet and English-speaking staff.

Important Tips for Renting a Car at the New Luanda Airport

Issue What You Need to Know
Booking Strongly recommended to book in advance online. Walk-up rates are much higher.
Minimum Age Usually 21–25 years old (depends on the company)
Driving License International Driving Permit (IDP) + your national license is highly recommended
Deposit Credit card required (debit cards usually not accepted)
Insurance Full insurance (CDW + Theft Protection) is strongly advised due to road conditions
Vehicle Type 4x4 or SUV is recommended if you plan to drive outside Luanda
Fuel Policy Most rentals are "full-to-full"
One-way rental Possible but expensive and subject to availability
Return You must return the car to the same location (airport) unless arranged otherwise

Practical Advice

• The new airport is modern and well-organized, but rental car formalities can still take 30–60 minutes.
• Traffic in Luanda is very heavy — consider hiring a driver with the car for your first few days if you are not used to driving in African cities.
• Road conditions outside Luanda can be poor — only rent a car if you are comfortable driving on rough roads or plan to stay mostly in the city.

Here you can see all the arrivals at the Luanda airport in real time.

Here you can see all the departures at the Luanda airport in real time.

Online Airport Coach for Travelers-  Essential Issues to Consider at the Airport

Arrival Time & Check-in For a stress-free experience, it is highly recommended to arrive at least 3 hours before international departures and 1.5 to 2 hours before domestic flights. Standard airport check-in generally opens two hours before flight departure. While online check-in is permissible in Angola, you must download digital copies of your boarding passes onto your device.

Travel Documents Ensure your passport and visa (if required) are readily available. Angola recently introduced a 90-day visa-free stay for tourists from at least 98 nations (including the US, UK, China, and Brazil), which drastically simplifies entry. Important note: Even though electronic "e-gate" scanners are installed, your physical passport must still be inspected and stamped by immigration officials.

Baggage Rules Baggage rules vary by airline; for instance, Airlink offers 40kg for Business Class, 30kg for Economy, and a complimentary 15kg sports equipment allowance. Because excess baggage fees can be prohibitive, it is recommended to weigh your luggage on the balances available at the check-in counters. Cabin baggage sizing boxes are strictly enforced. You must adhere to the standard liquids rule, meaning liquids must be in containers of 100ml or less and packed in a transparent bag. If your luggage is lost, contact your airline directly at the baggage delivery hall exit.

Security Screening Expect security screening to take between 15 to 30 minutes. Prepare to separate your items; all electronic devices, such as laptops and tablets, must be removed from your bag for individual scanning. Wear easily removable jackets, belts, and shoes to avoid holding up the queues.

Immigration & Customs Immigration processing typically takes 10 to 25 minutes, while customs clearance takes around 5 to 15 minutes. You will undergo customs control upon arrival, so be prepared to fill out a declaration form for valuable items or large amounts of cash according to local laws. Have all your necessary documents, including boarding passes, prepared for manual stamping despite the new automated gates.

Gate & Boarding Process The airport features a massive passenger terminal spanning 160,000 square meters. International and domestic flights are handled in one large building separated into two distinct zones, meaning transitions between them are made on foot. Be prepared for long walks between gates. Keep an eye on the information boards, as they display up-to-date boarding gate numbers. Boarding is efficient, supported by 12 finger docks (aerobridges), and airlines typically practice priority boarding for premium classes.

Flight Delays & Connections Passenger processing takes about 45 to 90 minutes for domestic flights and 90 to 120 minutes for international flights. If you are connecting on separate tickets, allow a minimum of 3 to 4 hours to accommodate potential delays and re-checking luggage. For real-time updates, utilize the digital information boards spread throughout the terminal. First and Business class passengers can wait out delays in premium spaces like the TAAG Lounge or the Pall Lounge.

Airport Facilities The airport is outfitted with excellent amenities, including free high-speed Wi-Fi sponsored by the Tigra brand. Charging stations with sockets and USB ports are plentiful for keeping devices powered. Dining is available 24/7 with establishments such as the Smoking Café, Café Mikana, and Brisa Café. The terminal also includes a post office, multiple ATMs and banks (like NovaCâmbios, BAI, and BIC), mother and child rooms, prayer rooms, and a kids' play area.

Special Assistance Passengers with reduced mobility can access wheelchairs and support staff completely free of charge; it is best to request this when booking your flight. Families traveling with children can utilize dedicated nursing/parent rooms and a leisure activity room called Kids Place in the duty-free zone. A medical clinic with defibrillators and trained personnel is available for health emergencies.

Transportation & Transfers The airport is approximately 40 km southeast of central Luanda. Travel by road via the EN-230 dual carriageway takes 45 to 60 minutes, though heavy traffic can stretch this to 90 minutes. Options include:

• Rail Link: A dedicated train connects the airport to Bungo Station in central Luanda in about 60 minutes.
• Buses: TCUL operates urban semi-express buses connecting the airport to various city points for 500 to 1000 kwanzas, running from 04:00 to 23:00.
• Taxis/Ride-Sharing: Official taxis are available 24/7 outside the main entrance and accept both local currency and US Dollars. Ride-hailing apps like Yango and Heetch also operate here.
• Car Rentals & Parking: Rental car offices are available, and the airport has automated parking zones utilizing modern Jieshun technology.

Health & Safety The airport hosts a dedicated medical service point ready for health emergencies. Additionally, Airport Police and Border Police continuously patrol the grounds to guarantee compliance with international safety standards.

Costs & Budget Take advantage of the airport's official exchange counters, which often provide better currency exchange rates than locations in the city center. Watch out for hidden fees; excess baggage costs can be steep, so weigh your bags early. Shopping includes extensive duty-free options, such as Ango Duty Free, Made in Angola for crafts, and Pedra Rubra for local jewelry and diamonds. Official airport taxis accept cash in local kwanzas or USD.

Technology & Navigation The terminal is equipped with intuitive digital signage and is clearly signposted in both Portuguese and English. While free Wi-Fi is available, you can also purchase 4G SIM cards and data directly from the UNITEL store in the terminal. Ride-hailing applications like Yango are popular, reliable, and provide predictable pricing.

Security Awareness Never leave your baggage unattended, as security forces may destroy it and you could face prosecution. While buying SIM cards, it is safer to use official provider shops (like Unitel) rather than unofficial street vendors. If you opt for an unmetered taxi instead of a ride-sharing app, always agree on the exact price with the driver before starting the journey to avoid scams. Maintain awareness of your belongings and rely on the highly visible security personnel if you notice any suspicious activity..