New twice-weekly service between Angola and Cape Verde will expand TAAG’s regional network, strengthen links between Portuguese-speaking African markets and support Luanda’s ambitions to become a strategic aviation hub.
- TAAG Angola Airlines has announced its new route connecting Angola and Cape Verde.
- A lane will be established between Dr. António Agostinho Neto International Airport (NBJ), and Nelson Mandela International Airport in Praia (RAI).
- The connection is particularly relevant for the communities of both countries as it is hoped it will contribute to closer engagement among Portuguese-speaking African markets.
TAAG Angola Airlines is expanding its African network with the introduction of a new scheduled service connecting Luanda with Praia, the capital of Cape Verde, from 12 December 2026.
The new route will link Dr António Agostinho Neto International Airport (NBJ) in Angola with Nelson Mandela International Airport (RAI) in Praia, establishing a direct air connection between the two Portuguese-speaking African countries.
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The service will operate twice weekly, with departures from Luanda scheduled on Mondays and Saturdays and return flights from Praia on Tuesdays and Sundays.
The introduction of Praia to TAAG’s network represents another step in the airline’s regional expansion strategy and its efforts to strengthen connectivity across West and Southern Africa.
According to the airline’s official announcement, ticket sales opened on 28 October, with the new service expected to provide additional travel opportunities for business, tourism and family travel between the two countries.
Airbus A220-300 to operate the new service
The approximately four-hour journey will be operated primarily by Airbus A220-300 aircraft, according to TAAG.
The aircraft has a capacity of 137 passengers, comprising 12 Premium Class seats and 125 Economy Class seats.
Beyond providing a direct connection between Angola and Cape Verde, the route will allow passengers arriving in Luanda to access TAAG’s domestic network and onward international destinations through Dr António Agostinho Neto International Airport.
The airline sees the service as an opportunity to strengthen Luanda’s position as a regional connecting hub, facilitating travel between Portuguese-speaking African markets and other international destinations.
Dakar expansion planned for 2027
The Luanda–Praia connection forms the first phase of a wider regional development programme that includes plans to extend the service to Dakar, Senegal, in 2027.
The proposed extension would further strengthen TAAG’s presence in West Africa and create additional opportunities for connectivity between Angola, Cape Verde and Senegal.
However, the Dakar operation remains subject to the necessary approvals from Senegalese civil aviation authorities and the completion of operational procedures.
The planned expansion reflects TAAG’s broader ambition to develop Luanda as an important gateway connecting African markets with Europe, Brazil and other international destinations.
Strengthening trade and regional economic links
Improved air connectivity between Angola and Cape Verde is expected to support business exchanges, tourism and closer economic cooperation between the two countries.
Both markets have longstanding cultural and commercial relationships through the Community of Portuguese Language Countries (CPLP). The addition of Praia complements TAAG’s existing network serving Portugal, Brazil, Mozambique and São Tomé and Príncipe.
For the wider aviation and logistics industry, the new connection also represents another development in efforts to improve intra-African connectivity, where limited direct services between regional markets have historically created challenges for trade and passenger mobility.
Although TAAG has not announced specific cargo capacity or freight arrangements for the new service, the additional connection could provide further opportunities for regional logistics and commercial exchanges, subject to the airline’s cargo offering and available aircraft capacity.
Luanda strengthens its regional hub ambitions
The new route comes as Angola continues to position Dr António Agostinho Neto International Airport as a major regional aviation gateway.
By expanding its network across Africa and strengthening connections with international markets, TAAG aims to increase the airport’s importance as a connecting point for passengers and businesses.
The introduction of Praia, followed by the proposed Dakar extension in 2027, demonstrates the airline’s intention to develop a stronger presence in West Africa while reinforcing its international network.
The success of the expansion will depend on passenger demand, commercial performance and the airline’s ability to sustain reliable operations across its growing regional network.
