Nova Chaves Airport

The closure was a direct result of the end of its military necessity. During the Angolan War of Independence and the subsequent Civil War, the airport was a strategic military asset. With the arrival of peace in 2002, its primary purpose ceased to exist. This was compounded by severe economic constraints, a complete lack of maintenance which led to the rapid decay of the runway and facilities, and a national focus on rebuilding more critical infrastructure like major highways.

The airport is currently abandoned and in a state of complete disrepair. Satellite imagery confirms the single runway is severely deteriorated, unpaved or with its pavement completely degraded, and is being reclaimed by vegetation. The apron and any remaining support buildings are derelict. The site is not used for any aviation activity and is unusable in its current condition. There is evidence of informal paths crossing the runway, indicating use by the local population for transit.

During the Portuguese colonial era, the airport, located in what was then called Nova Chaves, was a vital forward airbase (Aeródromo de Maquela do Zombo) for the Portuguese Air Force. Its strategic location near the border with Zaire (now the Democratic Republic of Congo) made it critical for controlling guerrilla infiltration routes during the Angolan War of Independence (1961-1974). It supported transport aircraft like the C-47 Dakota and Nord Noratlas for troop and supply movements. After Angola's independence, it continued to serve a similar military-logistical role for the Angolan government forces (FAPLA) throughout the Angolan Civil War (1975-2002), connecting the remote and often-contested border region to Luanda.

The reopening of Maquela do Zombo Airport (now officially designated with ICAO code FNMQ) has been a recurring topic in Angolan government development plans for over a decade. Provincial authorities in Uíge have consistently advocated for its rehabilitation to boost economic development, support cross-border trade with the DRC, and provide reliable transport, as local roads are often in poor condition. The project has been included in national plans like the Integrated Plan for Intervention in Municipalities (PIIM). However, despite these long-standing intentions and announcements, no concrete reconstruction or rehabilitation work has commenced. Its reopening remains a future prospect, contingent on securing funding and the government prioritizing its reconstruction.