Cabinda Airport

Cabinda Airport (CAB), also known as Maria Mambo Café Airport, is not just a transport hub, but a true "lifeline" for the residents and guests of this unique province. Located in the Angolan exclave, separated from the rest of the country by the territory of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, it serves as the main link to the "mainland" and the capital. It is a bustling air harbour where the business rhythm of the oil industry intertwines with the leisurely atmosphere of the tropics, offering travellers quick and convenient access to the city centre.

Features and Advantages of the Airport:

Cabinda Airport plays a strategically important role in Angola's transport system. Due to the geographical isolation of the province, air transport here is the most reliable and fastest way to reach Luanda and other cities, making passenger traffic at this small airport one of the highest in the country after the capital.

A key advantage for tourists is its proximity to the city. The terminal is located practically within the city limits of Cabinda, allowing you to reach central hotels and offices in just 10–15 minutes by taxi. Despite its compact size, the airport has undergone modernization, receiving an updated runway and an improved passenger service area, ensuring a decent level of comfort while waiting for a flight.

Finding direct and up-to-date contacts for small regional airports like Cabinda Airport can be challenging. Most services are coordinated through the airlines operating the flights. Below is the main available information.

• Official Website: Currently, Cabinda Airport does not have its own separate website. It is managed by Angola's national airport service, ENANA E.P. You can try to find basic information about the status of the country's airports on this agency's resources, but the most reliable source is your airline.
• Information Desk Phone: There is no direct public phone number for the airport inquiry service available in the public domain. For all questions related to flight schedules, check-in, and delays, it is recommended to contact the call centre of the airline you are using directly.
• Airport Address: Aeroporto de Cabinda, city of Cabinda, Cabinda Province, Angola.
• Email: A dedicated email address for passenger communication is not provided. Please use the contact forms or email of your airline for inquiries.
• Social Media: The airport does not maintain official social media pages. All up-to-date information regarding schedule changes and flight status should be sought on the official pages of your air carrier.
• Lost Luggage Information: If your luggage has been lost or damaged, you must immediately contact a representative of your airline or the Lost and Found desk in the arrival hall. The airport does not handle passenger luggage tracing directly.
• Passenger Support Contacts: Support regarding tickets, special on-board services, and carriage rules is provided by the airlines. Within the terminal, you may approach the information desk (if available) for assistance with navigating the airport.

Cabinda Airport (CAB) is located in the immediate vicinity of the city of the same name, making the journey there quick and convenient. The choice of transport depends on your budget and comfort preferences, but in any case, the trip will not take much time.

Taxi and Transfer. The easiest and most popular way for tourists to get to the airport is to use a taxi. A trip from the city centre of Cabinda usually takes no more than 10-15 minutes. It is recommended to agree on the fare with the driver in advance, as not all cars are equipped with meters. You can also book a private transfer through a hotel or travel company, which guarantees a fixed price and comfort.

Public Transport. A budget alternative to taxis is local minibuses, known in Angola as "candongueiros". These are vans that travel along specific routes. There may not be a direct route to the airport, and this option is not always convenient if you have large luggage. However, it is a great way to save money and experience the local atmosphere if you are travelling light.

Car Rental and Parking. For maximum freedom of movement around the region, you can rent a car. Several rental agencies offer their services in the city. With a rental car, you can easily reach the airport at any time. For those arriving in their own or rented transport, parking is available at the airport, where you can leave your car for a short or long period.

Cabinda Airport (CAB) is a small regional airport with one passenger terminal that serves all domestic flights. Its structure is simple and functional, making navigation intuitive even for first-time visitors. You will not have to worry about transfers between terminals, as all procedures from check-in to boarding take place in one building.

The airport layout is extremely simple. Upon entering the terminal, you find yourself in the general area where the airline check-in counters are located. After receiving a boarding pass and dropping off luggage, passengers proceed to the security checkpoint. Once through security, you will find yourself in a small departure waiting area with several boarding gates. The arrival area is equally compact: after disembarking, passengers walk or take a bus to the terminal and enter the baggage claim hall, which is located next to the exit into the city.

Since there is only one terminal, the departure and arrival zones are clearly separated but are in close proximity to each other. Departing passengers follow the route: entrance → check-in counters → security check → waiting lounge → boarding gate. Arriving passengers: aircraft stairs → baggage claim hall → airport exit. All signs are simple and clear, which practically eliminates the possibility of getting lost.

Given the small size of the airport and the limited number of flights, completing all pre-flight formalities usually does not take much time. Check-in and security checks generally proceed quite quickly. Nevertheless, it is recommended to arrive at the airport approximately 1.5–2 hours before departure to go through all procedures without rushing. The main advice for navigation is simply to follow the signs, as all key areas are within sight of each other.

The history of Cabinda Airport (CAB) is inextricably linked with the development of the eponymous province of Angola. The air harbour was founded in the mid-20th century, during the colonial period, to ensure the connection of this geographically isolated region with the rest of the world. Initially, it was a small airfield, but its importance began to grow rapidly with the discovery of rich offshore oil fields.

After Angola gained independence, the airport in the city of Cabinda became a key element of the national transport infrastructure. For a province with no direct land border with the main territory of the country, air travel turned into a vital artery. The airport provided and continues to provide passenger and cargo transportation, playing a decisive role in supporting the oil and gas industry and the daily life of the region.

A significant stage in the airport's history was a large-scale reconstruction completed in 2012. As part of the modernization project, a new modern passenger terminal was built, the runway was reconstructed and extended, and a new control tower and modern navigation equipment were installed. These improvements allowed the airport to accommodate larger aircraft, such as the Boeing 737, and significantly increase the level of safety and comfort for passengers.

Today, Cabinda Airport is an important regional hub that continues to develop. One of the most interesting facts of its history lies in its unique status—it is the air gateway to an exclave, ensuring its stable connection with the capital and the entire world. For travellers, it is not just a point on the map, but a modern and functional airport serving as the starting point for exploring this distinctive region of Angola.

Cabinda Airport (CAB) is the main air gateway to the province, providing passengers with basic amenities for a comfortable wait for their flight. Despite its modest size, the terminal offers a set of necessary services to make your journey more pleasant.

To satisfy hunger and thirst, there are small cafes and eateries at the airport where you can order light meals, sandwiches, and beverages. In several shops, you will find essentials, newspapers, as well as local souvenirs to remember your trip by. For passengers who value privacy and comfort, a VIP lounge may be available with a quieter atmosphere. It is recommended to check access conditions in advance.

To stay connected, passengers can use the Wi-Fi service, which may be provided on a paid or time-limited free basis. Charging stations for mobile phones and other gadgets are installed in the waiting areas. Financial services include ATMs and a currency exchange point, which is especially convenient for arriving international travellers.

The airport strives to ensure an accessible environment for everyone. For passengers with reduced mobility, ramps are provided, and staff assistance can be requested. It is recommended to notify your airline of the need for assistance in advance. Families with small children can use the mother and child room. In case of feeling unwell, a medical point is available on the airport territory, ready to provide first aid.

There are no specialized business centres or hotels directly within the terminal building. The nearest hotels and facilities for business meetings are located in the city of Cabinda, which can be quickly reached by taxi after arrival.

When planning a flight from Cabinda Airport (CAB), it is worth noting that this is a small regional airport, and the choice of dining establishments here is quite limited. Nevertheless, passengers can find several options for a light snack or to buy drinks before departure to wait for their flight comfortably.

Main food outlets are generally located in the public departure hall, accessible before passing security control (landside). Usually, these are small cafes or snack bars. On the menu, you will find a standard selection: sandwiches, pastries, packaged snacks (chips, nuts), as well as hot and cold beverages, including coffee, tea, and bottled water. After passing security (airside), the choice will likely be even more limited; possibly only a small kiosk with drinks and snacks will be operating.

Although the selection of establishments does not suggest fine dining restaurants, sometimes in local cafes, you can find simple dishes with Angolan flavour or try the famous local coffee. For a quick snack, pastries and coffee are perfect. If you are counting on a full meal, the best solution would be to eat beforehand at one of the restaurants in the city of Cabinda, as the selection of hot meals at the airport itself may be very modest.

Passengers with specific dietary requirements (vegetarians, vegans, as well as those looking for Halal or gluten-free meals) may find it difficult to find suitable options. It is recommended to bring food with you. Prices at the airport are typically higher than in the city but remain at a standard level for such places. Establishments usually operate according to the flight schedule—opening a few hours before the first departure and closing after the last aircraft departs.

To ensure your journey through the airport of Cabinda city goes as smoothly as possible, take advantage of our tips. These simple recommendations will help save time and stress, making your trip more comfortable from the very beginning.

Arrival at the Airport. For domestic flights within Angola, it is recommended to arrive at the airport 1.5-2 hours before departure. If you have an international flight, it is better to allocate 2.5-3 hours. This time will be enough to go through all pre-flight formalities without rushing, even in the event of unforeseen queues.

Check-in and Security Control. The fastest way to check in for a flight is online check-in on your airline's website, which usually opens 24 hours before departure. This will allow you to avoid queues at the counters. When passing security control, have your boarding pass and passport ready in advance, and remove laptops, tablets, and containers with liquids from your hand luggage.

Choosing a Seat on the Plane. If you want to enjoy the views, choose a seat by the window (window seat). If freedom of movement and the ability to stretch your legs are more important to you, your choice is a seat by the aisle (aisle seat). Note that on some types of aircraft, seats near the wings may have a limited view.

Hand Luggage. Standard international rules limit the carriage of liquids: they must be in containers of up to 100 ml and packed in a transparent bag. It is forbidden to carry sharp objects, weapons, and flammable substances in the cabin. Always check the hand luggage and baggage allowance on your airline's website.

Connecting Passengers. If you have a connecting flight, clarify at check-in whether you will need to collect and re-check your luggage at the intermediate airport. Study the map of the transfer airport in advance to quickly find the gate you need.

Customs Control. When entering or leaving the country, keep your passport, visa (if required), and completed customs declaration ready. Honestly declare all goods subject to mandatory declaration to avoid fines and delays.

Saving Time and Money. To save money, book flight tickets in advance and keep an eye on airline promotions. Packing light luggage that can be taken as carry-on will save you from paying for checked baggage. Bring an empty water bottle to fill after passing security control, and some light snacks.

Flight Delays. In case of a flight delay, remain calm. Contact an airline representative for information about the new departure time and your rights (for example, provision of drinks or meals). Keep an eye on updates on the departure boards and in your airline's app.