Quatro de Fevereiro International Airport (LAD)

Common Complaints

• Filthy and Poorly Maintained Facilities: The airport is frequently described as dirty, old-world constructed, and generally unkempt, with significant cleanliness issues, especially in restrooms which often lack toilet paper, have broken sinks, or no running water.
• Extreme Heat and Poor Air Conditioning: Travelers consistently report uncomfortable heat and humidity inside the terminal due to inadequate or non-functional air conditioning.
• Unreliable or Non-existent Wi-Fi: While free Wi-Fi is advertised, many recent reviews indicate that the public Wi-Fi is either slow or does not work at all.
• Limited and Overpriced Food/Retail; Payment Issues: Dining and shopping options are scarce, often overpriced, and many establishments do not accept foreign credit cards, requiring cash (Euros, USD, or local currency).
• Long and Disorganized Queues: Travelers frequently experience excessively long and disorganized waiting times for immigration, security, and check-in, often exacerbated by unhelpful staff or staff taking extended breaks.
• Rude and Unprofessional Staff: Numerous complaints highlight unfriendly, rude, and unhelpful airport staff across various departments, including security and immigration.
• Slow Baggage Claim and Lack of Air Bridges: Baggage collection can be extremely slow, and the absence of air bridges means passengers often have to disembark onto the tarmac, which is inconvenient, especially with luggage or children.
• Transportation Challenges: While taxis are available, it's essential to negotiate the fare beforehand to avoid being overcharged, and pre-booking a car service is often recommended.

Overall, Quatro de Fevereiro International Airport often presents a challenging experience for travelers due to its outdated infrastructure, cleanliness issues, unreliable services, and sometimes uncooperative staff. Travelers should prepare for potential delays, bring local currency or USD for purchases, and manage expectations regarding facilities and efficiency. It is important to note that the new Dr. Antonio Agostinho Neto International Airport is in the process of replacing this airport, with some airline operations already moving there as of December 2025.