The site was selected in 2004 and construction began in mid-2006. Reporting in 2024 indicates the project started in 2005, with construction beginning in 2013. in conjunction with the
Brazilian company
Odebrecht until 2019, then by
Aviation Industry Corporation of China. Domestic passenger flights were planned to begin in February 2024 and international passenger services in June 2024. and only 32 cargo flights were completed by 20 February 2024. During the 30 days ending 9 August 2024, fewer than ten flights were recorded. By early April 2024, the target date to shift all operations to the new airport was the end of 2024. The first passenger flight connection at the new airport was launched on 10 November 2024. By 18 December 2024, an average of four flight departures per day was recorded. By 17 April 2025, an average of 11 flight departures per day was recorded, all by TAAG Angola Airlines and nearly all to Angolan destinations. TAAG transferred its international services in October 2025, and other airlines gradually followed. By 5 January 2026, average daily departures rose to 19, while departures from the previous airport declined to 2. In March 2026, all airline operations were transferred to the new airport. == Facilities ==