HOT PORT NEWS from GAC

Offshore crew members and technical personnel arriving in Angola are currently facing significant immigration fines following the recent relocation of international flight operations. Effective 22 May 2026, all international traffic has shifted from 4 de Fevereiro Airport to the new Dr. António Agostinho Neto Airport in Icolo e Bengo. This transition has caused administrative confusion, leading to unexpected penalties for seafarers entering the country for offshore assignments. GAC reports that local immigration authorities are strictly enforcing documentation protocols during this airport transition period.

This regulatory disruption highlights the critical importance of compliance with the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) 2006, specifically Title 2.5 regarding repatriation and the facilitation of crew transit. Under the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Facilitation (FAL) Convention, member states are encouraged to simplify formalities for seafarers; however, local port state control and immigration authorities retain sovereign jurisdiction over entry requirements. Compliance departments must ensure that all offshore personnel possess updated visas and transit documentation that reflect the new airport infrastructure to avoid costly delays and potential legal liabilities for vessel operators.

Chief engineers, second engineers, and navigating officers must exercise extreme caution when coordinating crew changes in Angola. Before departure, it is essential to verify that all travel itineraries explicitly list Dr. António Agostinho Neto Airport as the point of entry. Officers should coordinate closely with local port agents to confirm that invitation letters and shore pass documentation align with the latest immigration directives to prevent fines that could impact vessel schedules and operational budgets.