Cameroon’s Airport Infrastructure: Aéroports du Cameroun Responds to Criticism, Announces Renovations

In the letter, GECAM highlighted the poor condition of several airport facilities, inefficiencies in baggage handling, and the negative impact these issues have on the competitiveness of the national economy and the tourism industry.

A Call for Dialogue and Transparency

In his reply, Owona Assoumou invited the GECAM president for a meeting to discuss ongoing efforts to modernize Cameroon’s airports and address the concerns raised. The Adc’s director described some of the GECAM’s remarks as "excessive" but stressed the need for transparency and dialogue to clarify misunderstandings and work towards solutions.

Recent Improvements in Airport Infrastructure

Responding to the allegations, the Director General noted that airports in Yaoundé-Nsimalen, Garoua, and Maroua-Salak are relatively new and not plagued by major maintenance issues. He pointed out that recent work has been carried out at these airports, including the rehabilitation of escalators, the creation of a climate-controlled passenger lounge at Garoua International Airport, and the replacement of ten elevators and the renovation of cold storage rooms at Yaoundé-Nsimalen International Airport.

Challenges at Douala International Airport

Turning to Douala International Airport, which has been facing challenges due to aging infrastructure, Owona Assoumou revealed that a comprehensive renovation project for the passenger terminal is set to begin in the first half of 2025. The project, financed through a loan from the French Development Agency (AFD), will overhaul the terminal’s facilities. Meanwhile, temporary measures have been implemented to bring the airport’s facilities in line with international standards, including a partnership with Pictet to improve the climate comfort in the airport's police and baggage claim areas. These works are scheduled to be completed by January 2025.

Shared Responsibility for Baggage Handling

On the issue of baggage handling inefficiencies, Owona Assoumou emphasized that while Adc manages certain aspects of baggage handling, the airlines themselves are responsible for other parts of the process. He explained that delays in baggage handling could sometimes be due to poor loading practices at the departure airports or specific procedures set by the airlines. Despite this, he noted that external audits of the airports had not revealed any significant deficiencies affecting the overall operations of the baggage systems. Recent upgrades to baggage handling equipment have been made at Yaoundé-Nsimalen and Garoua airports, and ongoing maintenance efforts are underway at Douala, pending the complete renovation of the terminal.

Growth in Air Traffic

In terms of the impact of airport infrastructure on the country’s competitiveness and tourism appeal, Owona Assoumou pointed out that air traffic, particularly international passenger traffic, has seen continuous growth. This growth is seen as a testament to Cameroon’s attractiveness as a travel destination. He acknowledged that the management of airports by péréquation (a balancing approach) could give the impression that efforts toward modernization and maintenance are insufficient, given the varying levels of activity at different airports.

Tourism and Infrastructure

While the Adc recognizes that the state of airport infrastructure plays a role in the tourism sector, the Director General emphasized that the growth of tourism is not solely dependent on airports. He suggested that broader factors, including marketing, safety, and overall infrastructure, contribute to the sector’s development.

Conclusion

Thomas Owona Assoumou’s response addresses the concerns raised by the GECAM and provides a clear outline of ongoing efforts to improve Cameroon’s airport infrastructure. With a strong focus on continued investment and maintenance, the Adc is committed to enhancing the country's airports to meet international standards and support both the economy and tourism industry. However, the Director General’s invitation for dialogue and his call for a nuanced approach to these challenges suggest a continued commitment to transparency and collaboration with stakeholders in the industry.