Quatro de Fevereiro Airport

Quatro de Fevereiro Airport, named after an important date in Angola's history, is the main air gateway to the country and its capital, Luanda. It is not merely a transport hub, but a lively centre connecting Angola with Africa and the entire world. Located within the city limits, the airport serves as a starting point for exploring the rich culture and picturesque landscapes of this unique African nation.

Despite its long history, the airport offers travellers all necessary modern amenities. Here you will find currency exchange points, ATMs, luggage storage, and a medical centre. For a comfortable wait, there are premium lounges with internet access, showers, and dining facilities. Free Wi-Fi is available in the departure and arrival zones, while numerous shops, including Duty-Free, and cafeterias will help pass the time before your flight. The airport serves as the base for the national carrier TAAG Angola Airlines, ensuring a wide network of routes both within the country and abroad.

Below is the contact information for Quatro de Fevereiro Airport (LAD). We recommend verifying the data on official resources before your trip.

• Official Website: www.sga.co.ao (website of the management company SGA - Sociedade Gestora de Aeroportos)
• Help Desk Phone: +244 923 167 040; +244 222 353 440
• Address: Rua 21 de Janeiro, Luanda, Angola
• Email: geral.sga@sga.co.ao
• Social Media: Official pages can be found on social networks by searching for "SGA Aeroportos de Angola".
• Lost & Found: In case of lost luggage, it is recommended to first contact your airline's representative at the airport. Additional information can be obtained via the general help desk phone number.
• Customer Support Contacts: For assistance and enquiries, please contact the airport help desk numbers.

Quatro de Fevereiro Airport (LAD) is conveniently located very close to the centre of Luanda, the capital of Angola. Despite the short distance, travel time can vary significantly due to heavy city traffic. Travellers have several options to reach the terminals, with taxis and pre-booked transfers being the most popular.

Taxi is the most convenient and common way to get to the airport from anywhere in the city. It is recommended to use official taxis or book a car through trusted services and hotels. The cost of a trip from the city centre is moderate, but it is important to agree on the price with the driver in advance to avoid misunderstandings. Another reliable option is a private transfer, which can be booked online or through your hotel. This is especially convenient for families or travellers with a large amount of luggage.

The public transport system in Luanda mainly consists of minibuses known as "candongueiros". While this is the most budget-friendly option, it can be challenging for tourists due to the lack of clear routes and schedules. There are no direct bus, train, or metro lines to the airport, so for a comfortable and predictable journey, it is better to choose another mode of transport.

If you are moving around the city in a rented car, getting to the airport will not be difficult. The road is well-signposted, and there are short-term and long-term parking zones at the terminal. This is a convenient option if you need to leave your car for the duration of your trip or return a rental car before departure. Most major rental companies have their counters directly at the airport.

In ideal conditions, without traffic jams, the journey from the centre of Luanda to the airport will take about 20-30 minutes. However, during peak hours, this time can easily increase to an hour or more. Always allocate extra time for the journey to ensure you do not miss your flight. It is also worth noting that a new airport, Luanda (Dr. Antonio Agostinho Neto) (NBJ), has been built in the vicinity of the capital. Before travelling, be sure to check exactly which airport your flight departs from to avoid confusion and wasted time.

Quatro de Fevereiro Airport (LAD), the main aviation hub of Luanda, consists of two terminals serving different destinations. Their structure is quite simple, which facilitates navigation, but it is important to know their purpose for proper planning of your trip within Angola.

The International Terminal is the main and largest building of the airport. It handles all flights arriving from other countries and departing abroad. The departure zone with check-in counters, passport control, and Duty-Free shops is located on the upper floor, while the arrival zone and baggage claim are on the lower floor. This terminal is the busiest, especially during peak hours.

The Domestic Terminal is a separate, more compact building. It is designed to serve flights between cities in Angola. Everything here is arranged more simply, and the atmosphere is generally calmer compared to the international terminal.

The terminals are located a short distance from each other, but in different buildings. To move between them, especially with luggage, it is most convenient to take a taxi — the trip will take just a few minutes. Walking is possible but may be uncomfortable with heavy suitcases.

When planning your departure, allow enough time to complete all formalities. Check-in and security procedures can take a considerable amount of time. It is recommended to arrive at the airport at least 3 hours before an international flight. For navigation inside the terminals, follow the signs, which are mostly duplicated in Portuguese and English.

The history of Quatro de Fevereiro Airport (LAD) is closely linked to key events in the formation of the independent state of Angola. Officially opened in 1961, during the colonial period, it originally bore the name of Portuguese President Craveiro Lopes. Located in close proximity to the centre of Luanda, it quickly became the country's main aviation hub.

The airport received its modern and symbolic name after the country gained independence. "Quatro de Fevereiro" translates to "February 4th" — the date in 1961 that marked the beginning of the armed struggle for liberation from colonial rule. Thus, the capital's main airport became a monument to one of the most important days in national history. In subsequent years, it played a crucial strategic role in the life of the country.

After the end of internal conflicts and with the start of economic growth in the 2000s, the airport underwent several stages of modernisation. The most large-scale reconstruction was carried out ahead of the 2010 Africa Cup of Nations, hosted by Angola. As part of the preparations, terminals were renovated and expanded, and the runway and navigation equipment were improved, allowing it to meet growing international standards and increased passenger traffic.

Despite decades of service as the primary international hub of Angola, Quatro de Fevereiro Airport is currently preparing for a change in its role. To serve the capital, a new, much larger and modern Dr. Antonio Agostinho Neto International Airport has been built. Nevertheless, Quatro de Fevereiro will forever remain in history as a facility that witnessed and participated in the most dramatic and triumphant moments of the country's life.

Quatro de Fevereiro Airport offers passengers all necessary services for a comfortable wait for their flight. In the terminal, you will find several cafes and restaurants where you can have a snack before departure, drink coffee, or have a full meal. For those wishing to shop, there is a Duty-Free zone with a selection of perfumes, souvenirs, and local goods. There are also small shops where you can buy newspapers and travel essentials.

For a more comfortable wait, the airport features VIP lounges. Access is usually granted to business class passengers or airline loyalty programme members, but the service can often be used for an additional fee. The lounges provide conditions for relaxation and work. Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal, and charging stations for mobile devices can be found in waiting areas, allowing you to stay connected.

To handle financial matters, the airport has bank branches and currency exchange points where you can exchange money or withdraw cash from ATMs. In case of need, passengers can visit the medical centre, where first aid will be provided.

The airport cares for passengers with special needs. For travellers with children, there are equipped mother and child rooms where you can feed and change your baby in a quiet environment. Passengers with reduced mobility are provided with special assistance — to arrange this, it is recommended to contact your airline in advance.

Although there are no hotels directly on the airport grounds, there are many accommodation options to suit any taste and budget in the immediate vicinity and in the city of Luanda itself. For business travellers, basic business services such as workspaces and access to office equipment may be available in VIP lounges, though there are no specialised conference halls within the airport.

At Quatro de Fevereiro Airport (LAD), passengers will find several options for a snack or a full meal before departure. The selection of establishments is concentrated in the main terminal and caters to travellers with different preferences and budgets.

Most cafes and snack bars are located both in the public area, accessible to all visitors before security control, and in the "airside" departure zone. If you have enough time, we recommend exploring the options in the public area, as the selection there may be slightly wider. Here you can find cafes offering sandwiches, pastries, salads, hot drinks, and small snack bars.

For a quick snack, coffee shops are perfect for ordering an espresso and fresh pastries. If you plan a full lunch, it is better to choose one of the cafes in the public zone, where hot dishes may be served. The menu is predominantly international cuisine, but sometimes you can find echoes of local culinary traditions. Do not miss the chance to try dishes popular in Angola, or order exotic fruit juice.

Passengers with special dietary requirements (vegetarians, vegans) should be prepared for a limited selection. It is recommended to check the ingredients of dishes with the staff in advance. Prices for food and drinks at Luanda airport are generally significantly higher than in the city. Major establishments operate according to flight schedules, however, during night hours, some of them may be closed.

To ensure your journey through Quatro de Fevereiro Airport is as comfortable as possible, use our tips. It is recommended to arrive at the airport at least 3 hours before departure for international flights and 2 hours for domestic ones. This will give you enough time to complete all formalities without rushing, especially during peak hours.

To save time, use online check-in if your airline provides this option. Have all necessary documents ready: passport, visa (if required), and flight ticket. When going through security control, prepare electronic devices in advance and ensure that all liquids in your hand luggage comply with the rules: the volume of each container must not exceed 100 ml, and all must be packed in one transparent bag. It is forbidden to carry sharp objects, weapons, and flammable substances in hand luggage. Remember that batteries and portable chargers (power banks) can be carried only in hand luggage.

If you have a connecting flight in Luanda, follow the "Transit/Connections" signs upon disembarking. Check the gate number for your next flight at the information desk or on the departure board. It is important to find out in advance if you need to collect and re-check your luggage. When passing through customs control in the capital of Angola, be ready to present a declaration if you are importing goods subject to declaration or large sums of cash. Usually, there are "Green" and "Red" channels for this purpose.

Seat selection is often available when purchasing a ticket or during online check-in. Window seats offer beautiful views during takeoff and landing, while aisle seats provide more freedom to move around the cabin. To save money, bring an empty water bottle that can be filled after passing security, and light snacks. Currency exchange at the airport is usually less favourable, so it is better to arrange a small amount of local cash in advance.

In case of a flight delay or cancellation, first contact your airline representative. Clarify your rights regarding the provision of drinks, meals, or hotel accommodation depending on the length of the wait. Keep all receipts for unforeseen expenses to request compensation later. Use this time to rest or work by connecting to the airport Wi-Fi.