Catumbela Airport

Catumbela Airport (CBT) serves as the modern aerial gateway to the Benguela province, offering tourists convenient access to the picturesque Atlantic coast and the region's colonial heritage. Strategically located between the major cities of Benguela and Lobito, this aviation hub acts as a vital alternative to the capital's airport, offering travellers a calmer and more relaxed atmosphere. The terminal building, constructed using the latest technologies and architectural solutions, ensures a high level of comfort and safety, making your arrival in Angola a pleasant start to any journey. The airport not only services flights but also serves as a symbol of the country's infrastructural renewal, ready to welcome guests from around the world.

Airport Features and Advantages:

Catumbela Airport stands out for its modern infrastructure, designed in accordance with international service standards. One of its main features is its technical capability: a long runway (3,700 metres) allows it to accommodate almost all types of modern aircraft, including wide-body liners. For passenger convenience, the terminal is equipped with telescopic jet bridges, ensuring comfortable boarding and disembarking in any weather, eliminating the need for shuttle buses.

Another significant advantage is its strategic location. The airport serves three major cities in the region simultaneously: historic Catumbela, the resort city of Benguela, and the port city of Lobito. This makes it an ideal hub for tourists wishing to explore different corners of the province. Furthermore, thanks to its international status and high capacity, Catumbela offers passengers spacious waiting halls and an absence of the long queues typical of congested capital hubs, significantly saving travellers time and energy.

Below is the essential contact information for Catumbela Airport (CBT). Please note that finding direct contact details for regional airports can sometimes be difficult, and for many enquiries, the best solution is to contact your airline directly.

• Official Website: Currently, Catumbela Airport does not have a separate official website. General information is provided by Angola's national airport operator, ENANA, on its corporate portal.
• Help Desk Phone: There is no direct public phone number for the airport available in open sources. For information regarding flight status, schedules, and other flight data, it is recommended to contact your airline directly.
• Address: Estrada Nacional 100, Catumbela, Angola.
• Email: A dedicated email address for general enquiries is not published. All communication is recommended to be conducted through airlines.
• Social Media: Official social media accounts for the airport are not maintained.
• Lost Luggage Information: If your luggage has been lost or damaged, you must immediately approach the Lost & Found counter or a representative of your airline in the arrivals hall.
• Passenger Support Contacts: For any questions regarding bookings, ticket changes, check-in, or special services, please contact the support service of the airline you are flying with.

You can get to Catumbela Airport (CBT) in several ways, both from the city of Catumbela itself and from neighbouring major centres such as Benguela and Lobito. The choice of transport depends on your budget, time, and comfort preferences. The main options include taxis, car rentals, and local public transport.

The most budget-friendly way to get to the airport is public transport. In Angola, and particularly in this region, this is primarily represented by route taxis known as "candongueiros". These are minibuses running on specific routes without a strict schedule. While this is the cheapest option, be prepared for a journey that may not be the most comfortable, as vehicles are often crowded. This method is suitable for travellers without large luggage who wish to immerse themselves in the local atmosphere.

Taxi or pre-booked transfer is the most convenient and fastest way to reach the airport. You can order a car from your hotel or use official taxi services. A taxi ride will cost more but ensures comfort, especially if you have a lot of luggage. It is recommended to agree on the fare in advance to avoid misunderstandings upon arrival.

Car rental offers maximum freedom of movement. This option is ideal for those planning not only to get to the airport but also to explore the coast and the surroundings of Catumbela. You can rent a car at rental company offices. The airport has parking where you can leave a vehicle for both short and long periods.

The approximate travel time from the centre of Catumbela to the airport is 15–20 minutes by car. The trip from Benguela or Lobito will take about 30–45 minutes depending on traffic conditions. In terms of cost, the taxi is the most expensive option, while public transport is the most affordable. Regardless of the chosen method, always allow extra travel time to check in for your flight without rushing.

Catumbela Airport (CBT) is a modern aviation complex distinguished by a well-thought-out structure convenient for passengers. The airport operates one passenger terminal that serves both domestic and international flights. Thanks to this, travellers do not need to worry about transferring between different buildings, which significantly simplifies navigation.

The terminal layout is intuitive. The building is designed so that the flows of arriving and departing passengers are separated for maximum convenience and security. The Departures Zone is located on one level and includes check-in counters, security checkpoints, passport control, and a comfortable waiting lounge with boarding gates. The Arrivals Zone is located separately and consists of passport control (for international flights), baggage reclaim belts, and customs control.

Due to its compact size and logical layout, orienting yourself in Catumbela Airport is quite easy. Signage in Portuguese and English is present everywhere to help you find check-in counters, boarding gates, or the baggage claim area. Transitions between different zones within the single terminal take minimal time.

Check-in and security procedures at Catumbela Airport usually proceed faster than in major international hubs. Nevertheless, it is recommended to arrive at the airport well in advance: approximately 1.5-2 hours before a domestic flight and 2.5-3 hours before an international one. This time will be sufficient to complete all formalities without haste, even in the event of a small queue.

The main advice for navigation is to follow the signs. Since all key points — from the terminal entrance to the boarding gate — are within a single building, it is practically impossible to get lost here. Catumbela Airport is an example of effective and passenger-friendly infrastructure, where everything is governed by logic and comfort.

The history of Catumbela Airport (CBT) is a vivid example of the transformation and development of modern Angola. The air harbour, located near the city of Catumbela, has a dual history: first as a military facility, and then as one of the country's most modern civil airports, playing a key role in the regional economy.

Originally, a military airbase was located on this site, built by Portuguese authorities in the 1960s. During that period, it played a strategic role and was used exclusively for military purposes. After Angola gained independence, the facility came under the control of the national armed forces and was not used for civil aviation on a large scale for a long time.

A new era for the airport began in the 21st century when, as part of a massive programme to restore and modernize the country's infrastructure, a decision was made to build a new international airport on the site of the old base. This ambitious project became a symbol of the region's revival. The grand opening of the new Catumbela Airport took place on 27 August 2012. This event became a significant milestone in the history of not only the city but the entire Benguela province.

The modern terminal and the 3,700-metre runway were designed to accommodate large long-haul aircraft. The airport's capacity is over 2.2 million passengers per year, making it the second most important in Angola after the capital's airport in Luanda. Its main task is to relieve the capital hub and stimulate economic and tourism development in coastal cities such as Benguela and Lobito.

Thus, the history of Catumbela Airport is a journey from a closed military facility to a modern aerial gateway, opening one of the country's most dynamically developing regions to the world. It is not just a transport hub, but a crucial element of the national development strategy connecting Angola with the rest of the globe.

Catumbela Airport (CBT) is a modern and well-equipped transport hub offering passengers all necessary services for a comfortable wait before their flight. Within the terminal, you will find several cafes and snack bars where you can grab a bite or enjoy a cup of coffee. Shops are also available, selling essential items, souvenirs, and locally produced goods from Angola.

For passengers preferring enhanced comfort, a VIP lounge may be available at the airport, offering a quieter environment to relax. To stay connected, you can use the Wi-Fi available within the terminal. Additionally, waiting areas are usually equipped with charging stations for mobile phones and other electronic devices.

The terminal houses ATMs and currency exchange points, which is particularly convenient for arriving international tourists. In case of illness or the need for first aid, a medical point operates at the airport, ready to provide necessary support.

The airport is designed taking into account the needs of all categories of travellers. A barrier-free environment has been created for people with reduced mobility, including ramps and specially equipped washrooms. Amenities are also provided for passengers travelling with small children to make their stay at the airport as comfortable as possible.

Although there is no hotel directly inside the airport building, you will easily find numerous accommodation options in nearby cities such as Catumbela, Benguela, and Lobito. Dedicated conference rooms and business centres are generally absent at the airport, though basic business services may be provided as part of VIP services.

When planning a departure from Catumbela Airport (CBT), it is worth remembering that this is a modern but relatively small regional aviation hub. Dining options here are quite limited and designed primarily for those who want a quick snack or coffee before their flight. Do not expect a wide variety of restaurants as found in major international hubs.

Typically, in the main terminal hall, most often in the public area (before security control), there is one or several small cafes or snack bars. Their menus usually include standard offerings: sandwiches, pastries, crisps, as well as hot and cold drinks such as coffee, tea, juices, and water. This is a convenient option to satisfy mild hunger while waiting for flight check-in.

For a quick snack, local establishments are ideal. However, if you are counting on a full lunch or dinner, the selection will be extremely scarce or may be non-existent. The best solution would be to eat at a restaurant in the city of Catumbela or neighbouring Benguela before arriving at the airport.

Regarding local cuisine, finding authentic Angolan dishes at the airport will be difficult. Passengers with specific dietary requirements (vegetarians, vegans) or restrictions (gluten-free, Halal meals) are strongly advised to arrange food in advance and bring suitable snacks with them, as specialised menus are not provided here.

Opening hours of food outlets at Catumbela Airport are usually tied to the flight schedule — they open a few hours before the first departure and close after the last one departs. Prices, as in most airports around the world, will be slightly higher than in city cafes.

To ensure your journey through Catumbela Airport is as comfortable as possible, please review our practical tips. Planning ahead will help avoid stress and save time.

Arrival Time and Check-in: We recommend arriving at the airport at least 2-3 hours before international flights and 1.5-2 hours before domestic ones. This time will be sufficient to complete check-in and security control without rushing. If possible, use online check-in — this will significantly save your time.

Passing Security: Have your passport and boarding pass ready. Be prepared to remove laptops and other large gadgets from your hand luggage, as well as the plastic bag with liquids for separate scanning. Clearly following the instructions of security staff will speed up the process.

Seat Selection and Hand Luggage: When choosing a seat on the plane, consider your preferences: a window seat offers beautiful views, while an aisle seat offers more freedom of movement. Ensure you pack documents, money, medication needed during the flight, and valuable electronics in your hand luggage. Remember that carrying liquids in containers larger than 100 ml, as well as sharp and flammable items, is prohibited.

Connecting Passengers: If you have a connecting flight, locate the gate number for your next flight on the information board immediately upon arrival. Check with the airline whether your luggage will be automatically transferred or if you need to collect it and check it in again.

Customs Control: Upon arrival in Angola from another country, you will need to pass through customs control. If you are carrying goods subject to declaration or large sums of cash, fill out the customs declaration in advance to avoid delays.

Saving Time and Money: To avoid extra spending, bring an empty reusable bottle and fill it with water at drinking fountains after the security zone. A light snack brought from home will also help save money. A pre-booked transfer from the airport is often better value than a taxi hailed on the spot.

In Case of Flight Delay: If your flight is delayed, first contact an airline representative for the latest information. Depending on the length of the delay, you may be provided with drinks, meals, or even hotel accommodation. Having travel insurance can also prove very useful in such a situation.