Heading East: TAAG Angola Airlines Launches a New Route

Amid growing competition in the African aviation market, TAAG Angola Airlines is adjusting its expansion strategy. The Angolan carrier is preparing to launch a new service to East Africa, further strengthening its regional connectivity.

The new route between Luanda and Nairobi, Kenya, will operate three times a week. This connection is designed to improve ties between the two countries by leveraging the importance of Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, one of East Africa’s largest hubs. With access to Europe, the Middle East, and Asia through this airport, TAAG will be able to expand its reach to both passengers and cargo—an especially valuable advantage for trade between Angola and Asian and European markets.

This initiative is part of the airline’s broader expansion plan, which aims to reach 3 million passengers annually by 2030, up from around one million in 2022. To support this growth, TAAG plans to expand its current fleet of about 20 aircraft to 50 in the coming years.

TAAG’s Recovery and Angola’s Diversified Economy
Following a major restructuring program led by the Angolan government—its main shareholder—TAAG returned to profitability in 2022. This success has positioned the airline as a key player in the development of the country’s aviation sector.

The airline is now well placed to play a central role in operations at the new Luanda International Airport, located on the outskirts of the capital. This modern facility has the capacity to handle 15 million passengers and 130,000 tons of cargo annually.

These efforts are part of the Angolan government’s broader strategy to diversify the economy. By investing in sectors such as tourism, trade, and services, Angola aims to reduce its reliance on oil exports. The development of the aviation industry—with TAAG at the forefront—is a cornerstone of this economic transition.