The Félix Houphouët-Boigny International Airport welcomed, on Tuesday April 7, 2026, the first flight of TAAG Angola Airlines, officially marking the launch of the direct route between Abidjan and Luanda, according to official sources.

This inaugural flight represents a major step forward in strengthening air connectivity across Africa and reflects the shared ambition of Côte d’Ivoire and Angola to boost economic and human exchanges.

 A rapidly strengthening bilateral cooperation

This new route comes as part of a broader momentum of deepening ties between the two countries. In Abidjan, Angola’s ambassador, Oliveira Francisco Encoge, recently emphasized that national stability and lasting peace in Angola are now driving a historic phase of cooperation with Côte d’Ivoire.

According to him, the unity restored since 2002 has enabled Angola to pursue ambitious strategic partnerships, particularly with Côte d’Ivoire.

 Strategic agreements and shared vision

A decisive milestone was reached during the state visit of Angolan President João Lourenço to Abidjan in June 2024. The visit resulted in the signing of 14 new agreements, bringing the total number of legal instruments between the two countries to 21.

These agreements cover key sectors such as agriculture, hydrocarbons, fisheries, and tourism, aiming to leverage the economic complementarities of both nations while strengthening people-to-people ties.

 Facilitated mobility and African integration

Mobility lies at the heart of this partnership. Both countries have taken steps to:

·        exempt diplomatic passport holders from visa requirements

·        simplify consular procedures for their citizens

The launch of the Abidjan–Luanda route is a concrete outcome of this vision, making travel easier for business leaders, investors, and tourists.

 A strong symbol of peace and shared prosperity

For the Angolan diplomat, this new air connection goes beyond logistics. It represents one of the most tangible dividends of peace in Angola.

By strengthening its partnership with Côte d’Ivoire, Angola is paving the way for a new era of shared prosperity in Africa, supported by enhanced connectivity and modernized cooperation frameworks.