In the vast world of aviation, every airport possesses unique identification codes that serve as its distinctive name. These codes facilitate air traffic control while enabling passengers to accurately identify their destinations. For Angola's Luena Airport, these identifiers are LUO and FNUE.
Luena Airport Codes: LUO and FNUE
As a significant aviation hub in Angola, Luena Airport operates with two primary identification codes assigned by different international organizations. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) assigns the three-letter LUO code primarily for passenger services, while the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) designates the four-letter FNUE code for operational and regulatory purposes.
The IATA Code LUO: Passenger-Facing Identifier
For travelers, the LUO code serves as the most visible airport marker. This concise three-letter combination appears throughout the passenger journey—from ticket bookings and flight information displays to baggage tags and boarding passes. Its simplicity prevents confusion with other airports while ensuring smooth travel logistics.
When booking flights from Luanda to Luena, passengers simply enter LUO as the destination code. Airlines and booking systems immediately recognize this as Luena Airport, displaying relevant flight options. Similarly, baggage handling systems rely on the LUO code to route luggage correctly through complex airport networks.
The ICAO Code FNUE: Aviation Professionals' Standard
The FNUE designation serves specialized aviation functions. Pilots filing flight plans, air traffic controllers managing airspace, and aviation authorities coordinating regulations all use this four-letter code. Its standardized format ensures precision in critical operations where safety and coordination are paramount.
Commercial and cargo pilots include FNUE in navigation systems when routing to Luena. Air traffic control stations reference this code when sequencing arrivals and departures, while meteorological services attach weather reports to this identifier for flight crews.
Luena Airport Overview: Angola's Eastern Aviation Hub
Located in Moxico Province at an elevation of 4,360 feet (1,329 meters), Luena Airport serves as a vital transportation link connecting eastern Angola with the capital Luanda and other major cities. The airport features a single runway capable of handling medium-sized aircraft like Boeing 737s and Airbus A320s, supported by essential navigation infrastructure.
Recent economic development has increased passenger traffic, prompting gradual infrastructure improvements. The airport's strategic position facilitates regional connectivity, supporting both commercial aviation and logistical operations in Angola's eastern territories.
Geographical Coordinates
Luena Airport's precise location is defined by the coordinates 11°46'5.16"S latitude and 19°53'51.72"E longitude. These numerical values enable exact positioning in digital mapping systems and aviation navigation equipment, complementing the alphabetic codes for comprehensive location identification.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Luena Airport's IATA code?
The IATA code is LUO.
What is Luena Airport's ICAO code?
The ICAO code is FNUE.
What type of aircraft can Luena Airport accommodate?
The runway supports medium-sized jets including Boeing 737 and Airbus A320 aircraft.
Where is Luena Airport located?
The airport serves Luena, the capital of Moxico Province in eastern Angola.
These standardized codes represent more than mere abbreviations—they form the foundational language of global aviation. For Luena Airport, LUO and FNUE serve as essential markers in Angola's developing aviation network, reflecting both its current role and future potential as a regional connector.