TAAG Angola Airlines and LATAM Brasil codeshare expands travel options to Southern Africa

Travellers flying between Brazil and Southern Africa now have another option to consider, following a new codeshare agreement between TAAG Angola Airlines from Angola and Brazilian airline LATAM Brasil.

The partnership connects LATAM Brasil's domestic network with TAAG flights via São Paulo/Guarulhos (GRU). It covers 57 Brazilian destinations, including Rio de Janeiro, Brasília, Salvador, Recife, Fortaleza, Florianópolis and Foz do Iguaçu.

For travellers, the main advantage is the ability to book combined LATAM Brasil and TAAG itineraries, making it easier to travel from cities across Brazil towards Southern Africa via São Paulo and Dr. António Agostinho Neto International Airport (NBJ) near Luanda or OR Tambo International Airport (JNB) in Johannesburg.

Eligible connecting itineraries also offer benefits such as coordinated check-in, baggage handling and passenger assistance during connections. The combined tickets are already being offered through TAAG's sales channels.

An alternative route to Southern Africa

The agreement could be particularly useful for Brazilian travellers heading to Angola, Namibia, South Africa and potentially other Southern African destinations. Johannesburg, in particular, provides extensive onward connections across the region.

TAAG and LATAM have also indicated that the partnership could eventually be expanded to include LATAM's international network in South and North America, potentially creating even more routing options between the two continents.

For now, travellers planning a Brazil–Southern Africa trip should compare the new TAAG/LATAM options with existing routes, particularly when looking for a convenient single-ticket itinerary.

 

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TAAG Angola Airlines launches direct Luanda–Guangzhou flights from June 2026

TAAG Angola Airlines is expanding its international network with the launch of a new direct route between Luanda and Guangzhou, strengthening air connectivity between Angola and China.

The Angolan flag carrier has confirmed that its inaugural service between Dr António Agostinho Neto International Airport (NBJ), located on the outskirts of Luanda and Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN) in China will take off on 23 June 2026.

The new route represents a significant milestone for business and leisure travellers, providing a direct link between Angola and one of China's most important commercial and manufacturing hubs.

What travellers need to know

The introduction of direct flights will reduce travel times and eliminate the need for connections through other African, Middle Eastern or European hubs.

Guangzhou is one of China's largest cities and serves as a major gateway for trade, business travel and tourism. The city is particularly popular among African entrepreneurs involved in import and export activities, while also offering visitors access to southern China's rich cultural heritage, modern attractions and world-class shopping opportunities.

For travellers from Angola and neighbouring countries, the new service will make reaching southern China considerably more convenient.

Strengthening Angola–China links

Tourism authorities and travel industry stakeholders are likely to welcome the new route, which opens up easier access for Chinese visitors wishing to explore Angola's diverse attractions, from the dramatic landscapes of Kalandula Falls and the Tundavala Gap to the country's Atlantic coastline and vibrant cultural heritage.

At the same time, travellers from Angola will gain a more convenient gateway to southern China, including Guangzhou's historic sites, renowned cuisine, modern attractions and easy connections to other destinations across the country.

For travellers from elsewhere in Southern Africa, the new service could provide an attractive alternative for reaching China via Luanda, while also encouraging multi-destination itineraries that combine experiences in both Angola and China.

Growing international network

The launch of Guangzhou flights forms part of TAAG's broader strategy to expand its long-haul network and improve connectivity between Africa and key global destinations.

The airline has invested heavily in fleet modernisation and network development in recent years, helping to strengthen Luanda's role as an important gateway between Southern Africa, Europe, South America and Asia.

Why this matters

The new Luanda–Guangzhou service offers travellers:

• A direct air link between Angola and southern China.
• Faster and more convenient journeys.
• Improved options for business travel and trade.
• Additional connectivity opportunities for passengers across Southern Africa.
• Greater access to one of China's leading economic centres.

As the inaugural flight approaches on 23 June 2026, the new route is expected to further enhance travel and trade links between Africa and Asia.

Travel Tip: Travellers heading to China should ensure that visa requirements, passport validity rules and any entry regulations are checked well in advance of departure.

Luanda Airport move almost complete: Final airline transfer to AIAAN set for March 2026!

Travelling to Angola in 2026? A major aviation change is now in its final phase. Luanda’s new Dr António Agostinho Neto International Airport (AIAAN) is now handling almost all international flights, with the last airline transfer scheduled for 01 March 2026.
For visitors, this marks the official end of passenger operations at the old 4 de Fevereiro International Airport.

99.9% of flights already operating from AIAAN

Angolan airport authorities confirmed that the transition from the old Luanda airport to the new AIAAN airport in the municipality of Bom Jesus in Icolo e Bengo Province is nearly complete.

Recent airline moves include:

• Royal Air Maroc
• Turkish Airlines
• ASKY Airlines

With these additions, 99.9% of international airline transfers are now finished.
The final airline to relocate is South African regional airline Airlink, with its move scheduled for 01 March 2026, completing the full airport transition.

Airlines now operating at Luanda’s new airport
AIAAN is already hosting most of the major airlines serving Angola, including:

• TAAG Angola Airlines
• TAP Air Portugal
• Emirates
• Air France
• Qatar Airways
• Ethiopian Airlines
• Lufthansa
• Royal Air Maroc
• Turkish Airlines
• ASKY Airlines

What this means for travellers

This airport move is one of the biggest travel changes in Angola in decades. Here is what visitors should know:

Expect all flights to use the new airport
From March 2026, scheduled passenger flights will operate exclusively from AIAAN.

The airport is much further from the city
This is the biggest adjustment for travellers.

• Old airport: ~5 km from central Luanda
• New airport: ~40 km from central Luanda

Plan for 45–90 minutes travel time to reach the airport.

Allow extra transfer time
Traffic and ongoing infrastructure upgrades mean airport transfers must be planned carefully, especially for early departures.

Why this matters for tourism

The new airport removes one of Angola's biggest travel barriers and will help grow tourism and flight connections across Southern and West Africa.

If you’re flying to Luanda from 2026 onward, plan for Dr António Agostinho Neto International Airport (AIAAN).

 

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