4 de Fevereiro Airport, located within Luanda’s urban area, was for decades the capital’s main gateway and remains one of the city’s most recognisable transport landmarks.
The airport is no longer the main centre of Luanda’s regular passenger transfer
For decades, 4 de Fevereiro was Luanda’s main passenger airport. However, passenger operations were progressively transferred to the new Dr. António Agostinho Neto International Airport.
Today, the most important point for travellers is this: before travelling, always confirm with your airline whether your flight departs from LAD or from NBJ, because Luanda now has two airport references that people may still confuse.
- Official name: Aeroporto Internacional 4 de Fevereiro
- Airport code: LAD
- ICAO: FNLU
- Location: Avenida Comandante Gika, Luanda
- Setting: inside the urban area of Luanda
- Distance to downtown: usually very short compared with the new airport, depending on traffic
- Main travel tip: always check whether your ticket says LAD or NBJ
The name 4 de Fevereiro refers to 4 February 1961, an important date in Angola’s anti-colonial struggle and national history.
For many years, this airport connected Luanda to the rest of Angola and to the world. Even though passenger flows have largely shifted to the new airport, 4 de Fevereiro still remains a meaningful urban and historical landmark for the city.
- Always double-check the airport code on your ticket.
- If someone tells you simply “Luanda Airport”, ask whether they mean LAD or NBJ.
- For airport transfers, confirm the airport name in writing with your hotel or driver.
- Airlines, routes and operating arrangements can change, so verify details directly before travel.
Note: airport operations, airline use and transfer arrangements may continue to evolve. Always confirm directly with your airline and current official sources before travelling.