Overview
Menongue Airport, also known as Comandante Jones Madeira Airport, is an international airport located in the southeastern part of Angola. It serves the city of Menongue, the capital of the southern Angolan province of Cuando Cubango. The airport is operated by the National Airport Company (ENANA) and has a single asphalt runway that measures 3,000 meters in length.
Menongue Airport handles both domestic and international flights, with frequent connections to the Angolan capital city of Luanda. The airport is a hub for several domestic airlines, including TAAG Angola Airlines, which is the national carrier of Angola, as well as Heli Malongo and Mavewa. Menongue Airport also serves as an important gateway for humanitarian aid and supplies, especially during the rainy season when other modes of transportation are not accessible.
The airport features a modern passenger terminal with a capacity of 600 passengers per hour. It offers various amenities such as duty-free shops, restaurants, and cafes. Customs and immigration services are available for international travelers. Additionally, Menongue Airport has a dedicated cargo terminal that can handle up to 300 metric tons of cargo per day.
Despite being relatively small in size, Menongue Airport has undergone significant infrastructure upgrades in recent years, including the extension of the runway and the installation of new navigation equipment. These improvements have made Menongue Airport a safer and more efficient airport, providing better connectivity to Angola’s rural regions and helping to drive economic growth in the area.
Terminals at Menongue Airport
Menongue Airport is a small airport located in the south of Angola. It has one terminal building that serves both domestic and international flights. The terminal has a simple design with basic facilities and amenities for travelers.
Upon arrival, passengers are greeted by a spacious and clean terminal hall. The check-in counters are located on the left-hand side of the hall, while the security and immigration checkpoints are on the right-hand side. There are several shops and cafes located in the terminal building, providing some options for dining and shopping.
The airport also has a VIP lounge located near the departure gate. This lounge is exclusively for first-class passengers or those holding specific memberships or credit cards. The lounge offers comfortable seating, free Wi-Fi, refreshments, and other complimentary services.
While waiting for their flights, passengers can also take advantage of the airport’s free Wi-Fi connection. There are also charging stations available throughout the terminal to ensure that travelers’ devices remain charged during their journey.
Overall, the terminal at Menongue Airport may be small, but it provides essential services and amenities for travelers. The airport continues to work towards improving its facilities to make traveling even more comfortable for its passengers.
Airlines and Destinations
The Menongue Airport serves as a hub for several African airlines, including TAAG Angola Airlines, Air Namibia, and South African Airways.
TAAG Angola Airlines operates daily flights to Luanda, the capital of Angola, and also flies to Lubango, Saurimo, and Ondjiva.
Air Namibia offers direct flights to Windhoek, the capital of Namibia, and seasonal flights to Cape Town, South Africa.
South African Airways provides direct flights to Johannesburg, South Africa, which is a hub for connecting flights to destinations around the world.
During peak tourist seasons, additional charter airlines such as Airlink and Safair offer flights to popular destinations like Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe and Cape Town in South Africa.
Transportation Options at Menongue Airport
Menongue Airport, located in the city of Menongue in Angola, is a small airport that primarily serves domestic flights. Despite its size, there are several transportation options available at the airport for passengers to choose from.
One popular option is the airport shuttle, which provides a convenient and affordable way to travel to and from the airport. The shuttle service operates on a regular schedule and picks up passengers from designated locations around the city. It is important to book the shuttle service ahead of time to ensure availability.
Another option is car rental, which allows passengers to have their own vehicle to travel around the city and surrounding areas. There are several car rental companies located at the airport, including Avis, Hertz, and Europcar. It is recommended to book car rental in advance to secure the best rates.
For those who prefer public transportation, there is a shuttle bus that operates between the airport and the city center. The shuttle bus is operated by the local government and runs on a fixed schedule throughout the day. It is an affordable option, but it may not be the most convenient choice for those with tight schedules.
There are no train lines directly connected to Menongue Airport, but there are several train stations located in nearby cities such as Lubango and Benguela. Passengers can take a shuttle or taxi from Menongue Airport to these train stations and continue their journey by train.
In summary, Menongue Airport offers several transportation options for passengers to choose from, including airport shuttle, car rental, shuttle bus, and train lines. Depending on individual preferences and travel plans, passengers can select the most suitable option for their needs. It is recommended to book transportation in advance to ensure availability and avoid any last-minute surprises.
Parking Options at Menongue Airport
Menongue Airport has a parking lot located right outside of the terminal building. The lot is open 24/7 and offers both short-term and long-term options.
For short-term parking, the first 30 minutes are free, and then it’s $1 per hour for up to 3 hours. After 3 hours, the rate increases to $2 per hour.
If you plan on leaving your car at the airport for an extended period, long-term parking rates are available. The daily rate is $10 per day for the first 3 days and then $5 per day afterward.
The parking lot is well-lit and monitored by security cameras for added safety and security. Additionally, disabled parking spaces are available near the terminal entrance.
If you prefer not to drive to the airport, there are also taxi services available for drop-off and pick-up. Overall, Menongue Airport offers convenient and affordable parking options for travelers.
Check-In Procedures at Menongue Airport
The check-in process at Menongue Airport is designed to be efficient and hassle-free for passengers. There are three main methods of checking in for your flight: online, self-service, and traditional check-in.
Online check-in is available through the airline’s website or mobile app. Passengers can select their seats, print their boarding pass, and even pay for any additional baggage fees before arriving at the airport. This method is ideal for those who prefer to avoid long lines and want to save time.
The self-service kiosks are located throughout the airport and are available for use by all passengers. These kiosks allow passengers to check-in for their flight, select their seats, and print their boarding passes. Once checked in, passengers can proceed directly to the security checkpoint.
Traditional check-in counters are also available for those who prefer to check-in with an airline representative. Passengers can speak with an agent to check-in for their flight, select their seats, and have any questions answered. This option is ideal for those who require special assistance or have complex travel plans.
Regardless of which method you choose, it is recommended that passengers arrive at the airport at least two hours prior to their scheduled departure time to allow for ample time to go through security and board their flight.
Security Procedures and Tips for a Smooth Check at Menongue Airport
At Menongue Airport, security is taken seriously to ensure the safety of all passengers.
Passengers are required to pass through security screening before boarding their flight.
This involves passing through a metal detector and having bags and carry-on items scanned.
To make the process smoother, it’s important to have all items removed from pockets and placed in a tray before going through screening.
Liquids should be placed in a clear plastic bag and separated from other items in carry-on luggage.
Additionally, avoid wearing clothing with metal components or excess jewelry that may set off the metal detector.
Following these tips can help make the security process quick and hassle-free at Menongue Airport.
Customs and Immigration Process at Menongue Airport
Upon arrival at Menongue Airport, all passengers must first go through immigration. This involves presenting a valid passport and any necessary visas.
After clearing immigration, passengers proceed to baggage claim where they collect their luggage. From there, they move on to customs where they may be required to declare any items of value or restricted goods.
For departing passengers, the process is similar. They must first check in for their flight and go through security before heading to immigration. Once cleared, they can proceed to their gate and board their plane.
Overall, the customs and immigration process at Menongue Airport is fairly straightforward, but be sure to allow enough time to complete all necessary steps before your flight.
Amenities
- Free Wi-Fi
- Restaurants and cafes offering a variety of food and drink options
- Shops selling books, snacks, and souvenirs
- Banks and ATMs for currency exchange and cash withdrawal
- Car rental agencies for convenient transportation around Menongue
- Clean and modern restroom facilities
- Designated smoking areas for smokers
Menongue Airport aims to provide passengers with a comfortable and convenient travel experience. With the free Wi-Fi, you can stay connected with friends and family or catch up on work while waiting for your flight. The airport also has a range of restaurants and cafes to cater to everyone’s taste buds. If you need to do some last-minute shopping, there are plenty of shops available for you to browse. Need to exchange currency or withdraw cash? No problem – there are banks and ATMs in the airport. Additionally, car rental agencies are readily available for those who want to explore Menongue on their own. The airport’s restroom facilities are consistently cleaned and well-maintained for the comfort of all passengers, and designated smoking areas are provided for smokers. Rest assured that Menongue Airport has everything you need to make your travel experience as smooth as possible.
Accessibility Services
Menongue Airport provides a range of facilities and services to ensure passengers with disabilities or mobility issues can travel comfortably and safely.
These include accessible parking spaces, wheelchair assistance, and accessible restrooms.
Passengers who require special assistance should inform their airline before traveling so that arrangements can be made in advance.
In addition, Menongue Airport staff are trained to assist passengers with disabilities and are available to provide support throughout their journey.
Connecting Flights at Menongue Airport
Connecting flights can be stressful, but knowing the process and tips can make it a smooth experience.
Upon arrival at Menongue Airport, follow the signs for connecting flights and proceed to the designated gate. Make sure to check the departure time of your connecting flight and keep an eye on any updates or changes.
If you have limited time between flights, inform the airline staff as soon as possible for assistance. You may also consider packing a carry-on with essentials in case of flight delays or cancellations.
Remember to stay hydrated and nourished during your layover, as well as keeping your travel documents and boarding pass accessible. With these tips in mind, catching a connecting flight at Menongue Airport can be a breeze.
Baggage Claim and Lost Property
Upon arrival, passengers should proceed to the baggage claim area located in the arrivals hall. Baggage carts are available for use free of charge.
Passengers must present their baggage tags and identification to claim their checked luggage. If you cannot locate your baggage, please contact the airline’s representative or the airport lost and found office.
If your luggage is damaged, immediately report it to the airline’s representative or the lost and found office. Complete a property irregularity report (PIR) and keep a copy for your records. The airline will provide assistance to locate and return your luggage as soon as possible.
Emergency and Medical Facilities
In case of an emergency, Menongue Airport has a well-equipped medical facility with trained medical staff. The airport is also equipped with firefighting equipment and emergency response vehicles to handle any unforeseen incidents.
The medical facility at the airport is equipped with first aid, oxygen therapy, and basic life support equipment. In case of a serious medical emergency, the patient is quickly stabilized and transported to a nearby hospital for further medical attention.
Menongue Airport has a close partnership with nearby hospitals and healthcare providers to ensure that medical emergencies are handled efficiently and effectively. The airport also has agreements with air ambulance services to transport patients who require specialized medical care.
Hotel Accommodations
There are several hotel accommodations available within or near Menongue Airport for travelers looking for a place to stay. Some of the hotels near the airport include Hotel Ritz Lauca (0.4 km), Hotel Serra da Chela (1.6 km), Hotel Kuando Kubango (1.9 km), Residencial Lumingo (3.9 km), and Hotel Mbbenena Kasa (4.2 km).
These hotels offer various amenities such as free Wi-Fi, laundry services, on-site restaurants, and airport shuttle services. They have comfortable rooms with air conditioning, flat-screen TVs, and private bathrooms. Additionally, some hotels offer meeting rooms, swimming pools, and fitness centers for guests who need to work or exercise during their stay.
Travelers can easily book a room at any of these hotels through reputable online travel agencies like Booking.com, Expedia, or Agoda. It is advisable to make reservations in advance, especially during peak travel periods, to ensure availability and get the best rates.
Useful Tips
Here are some insider tips for navigating and enjoying Menongue Airport.
Firstly, make sure you arrive at least 2 hours before your flight to ensure that you have enough time to check in and pass through security.
Remember that there are limited dining options within the airport, so it’s a good idea to grab a snack or pack some food ahead of time.
Be prepared for long waits and delays, as Menongue Airport is a smaller airport with limited resources.
Bring a book or download some movies to keep yourself entertained during these wait times.
Finally, be sure to bring a travel adapter if you’re coming from a different country, as the power outlets may not match your plugs.
Contact Information
Airport Manager: +244 935 125 068
Customer Service: +244 944 707 930
Baggage Services: +244 913 201 580
Lost and Found: +244 946 717 994
Airport Police: +244 949 390 111
Medical Services: +244 923 098 312
Customs Service: +244 936 792 236
Immigration: +244 934 110 467
Airport Information Desk: +244 939 083 867
Airports Near Menongue Airport
There are several airports in the vicinity of Menongue Airport:
- Cuito Cuanavale Airport: located 148 km from Menongue Airport, it can be reached by car.
- Lubango Airport: located 319 km from Menongue Airport, it can be reached by car or by bus.
- Namibe Airport: located 642 km from Menongue Airport, it can be reached by car or by bus.