Top 10 Airports In Cameroon You Should Know Before You Fly

A white airplane is parked at the airport gate on a cloudy day with ground vehicles nearby

Airports in Cameroon play a vital role in connecting this West African nation, known for its diverse culture and abundant natural resources. With four international airports and numerous modernised secondary airports, Cameroon has significantly improved connectivity between its northern and southern regions. In addition to major hubs, several airports in Cameroon handle domestic flights, ensuring efficient travel both within the country and to key international destinations across Africa and beyond.

Top 10 Airports In Cameroon

Find a comprehensive list of astounding airports in Cameron that are committed to serving the best to their passengers:

1. Douala International Airport

People walk up steps toward the Douala International Airport under a bright blue sky.

Photo: Kianguebene / Wikimedia Commons

One of the busiest airports in Cameroon, DLA is also the largest aviation hub equipped with the capacity to contain 1.5 million passengers and 50,000 tonnes of freight. Operational 24/7, DLA is managed and owned by Aeroport du Cameroon, which is also at the helm of operation for a few other airports. Irrespective of its global dominance, the airport is not without legal and operational challenges. Nonetheless, DLA is constantly in the process of upgrading for a smooth running.

Nearby Hotel: Hotel Saffana, Hotel Libertis
Nearby Restaurants: Kotcha Restaurant, Le Sorento, Les Mangroves

2. Yaoundé Nsimalen International Airport

A flight takes off against an orange sky dotted with white clouds in the distance

Photo: JFK_Photography / Pixabay / Image For Representation Only

NSI is an international airport located about 27 km south of Yaoundé, the capital of Cameroon. The sprawling airport has restaurants, business centres, Emergency Operations Centre, currency exchange offices, and tourist help kiosks on its premises. Presently, NSI is operated by Aéroports du Cameroun. The airport has stunning connectivity with 14 direct passenger flights linked to 11 countries. Interestingly, Nsimalen International Airport is located within other places of tourist interests, places of culture, art, and history. The airport was inaugurated in 1991 and has grown into one of the bustling airports in Cameroon, a crucial connecting point for tourists and business people.

Nearby Hotel: Hilton Yaoundé, United Hotel International
Nearby Restaurants: Le BayaMa Obala, Le Safoutier Restaurant

3. Garoua International Airport

An image of baggage handling procedure at the Garoua airport during a ground crew strike

Photo: Wouter van Beek / Wikimedia Commons

GOU was established in 1967 and is located in the Adamawa Region of Cameroon. Spanning across 65,160 square kilometres, it is culturally significant for facilitating connectivity between Garoua and the global world. The airport has provision for both military and civilian uses. International airports in Cameroon have gained an edge in the global scenario. It is located at an important crossroads that makes trade between Chad, Nigeria, Central Africa, Asia, and the Middle East viable and accessible to all. GOU is the entry to the country’s industrial and agrarian regions.

Nearby Hotel: Shalom City Hotel, Hotel La Benoue
Nearby Restaurants: Caiman Village, Brasseries

4. Salak Airport

White interiors with white marble floors inside an airport as passengers wait along

Photo: Anonymous / Pixabay / Image For Representation Only

Salak Airport is a major connecting point of Maroua, the capital city of the Far North Region in Cameroon. Initially constructed as a secondary airport for domestic flights, but was later upgraded to an international airport in 2013. The first airstrip was constructed in 1949 but was relocated in 1951 due to the challenging terrain around Maroua city. The airport embeds cutting-edge technology and serves as a key gateway to world trade, tourism, military and humanitarian operations. Maroua is home to several UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and Salak Airport enables smooth commuting to this culturally rich city.

Nearby Hotel: Hotel Maroua Palace, Hotel Le Sahel
Nearby Restaurants: Avio Melles, Makkah

5. Ngaoundéré Airport

A white plane with small, dark windows on a grey and wet tarmac waiting to take off

Photo: TobiasRehbein / Pixabay / Image For Representation Only

Also known as N’Gaoundéré Airport, NGE is in Ngaoundéré, the capital of Cameroon’s Adamawa Province. The airport was constructed in 1964 and has a capacity of accommodating 200,000 passengers a year. Ngaoundéré is an emerging transportation hub of northern Cameroon and is well-connected to Douala and Yaoundé by rail and air. NGE serves as a focal point for business and tourism, which explains the various renovation and upgradation projects that are periodically implemented in the airport.

Nearby Hotel: Hotel de la Menoua
Nearby Restaurants: La Plazza Restaurant

6. Bafoussam Airport

A plane with Ryanair written on it taking off above the glass panels of the airport

Photo: DirkDanielMann / Pixabay / Image For Representation Only

Bafoussam Airport links the West Province to the rest of Cameroon, and it is located in Bafoussam, a city imbued with an endearing cultural legacy. One of the airports in Cameroon that connects only domestic flights and has a single asphalt runway, Bafoussam Airport eases commute to the agricultural and industrial regions. The West Province has garnered tourist attention for its expanding natural resources and cultural activity. This has substantially enhanced traffic at Bafoussam Airport.

Nearby Hotel: Guins Palace, Mbatkam Palace
Nearby Restaurants: La Terrasse

7. Bamenda Airport

An empty lounge area with steel chairs inside of an airport surrounded by pillars

Photo: juliaorige / Pixabay / Image For Representation Only

The airport is located near Bamenda, which is the capital of Cameroon’s northwest region. The map shows that Bamenda Airport is about 42 minutes from the city centre, which makes it a viable transport hub. A myriad of operations goes on at Bamenda Airport, including but not restricted to private aircraft operations, charter services, ground handling services, and private jet charter services. The city has a booming agrarian economy, and Bamenda Airport has been a strong pillar supporting its growth. Tourism has exponentially grown in Bamenda.

Nearby Hotel: Saddle Hill Ranch and Resort
Nearby Restaurants: Pres Café

8. Bertoua Airport

Picture of an aeroplane standing through a wet glass with water dripping on a rainy day

Photo: ionutscripcaru / Pixabay / Image For Representation Only

Bertoua Airport is located 5 km east-southwest of Bertoua, the capital of Cameroon’s eastern region. Bertoua being a significant administrative centre for Cameroon, is heavily dependent on Bertoua Airport as one of the closest and well-operational airports in Cameroon. The airport is the focal point of cultural exchange programmes between Bertoua and the other pockets of Cameroon. The airport is well-equipped with essential services to ensure optimum passenger comfort, safety, and security, such as ground equipment, customs and immigration, and ground transportation.

Nearby Hotel: Hotel Martino, Hotel Massoh
Nearby Restaurants: La Milano Lounge

9. Kaélé Airport

An open runway with green fields on both sides and a plane preparing to take off

Photo: bilaleldaou / Pixabay / Image For Representation Only

Kaélé is the far north region of Cameroon and is the capital of the Mayo Kani division. KLE has a record-breaking performance for on-time departures and arrivals. This performance can be attributed to the region’s tropical climate and clear skies. The locals are reliant on KLE as it is a vital connecting hub to Cameroon. The airport is primary to economic growth and industrialisation. Although the airport has limited flight capacity, it has maintained steady and brilliant operational activities since its inception.

Nearby Hotel: K Hotel Douala
Nearby Restaurants: Kaéla Cafe

10. Limbe Airport

A plane flying towards the blue hills outside an airport with the runway stretching below

Photo: huynhkimdaihuu30051999 / Pixabay / Image For Representation Only

A public airport in Limbe, Sud-Ouest Region, Cameroon, Limbe Airport is a stone’s throw from the city. This makes Limbe Airport a convenient and feasible transportation choice for locales and visitors. Limbe Airport connects to Limbe, which is the petroleum capital of Cameroon and host to Société Nationale de Raffinage. It is also the administrative centre of Fako Division in the South West Region, and Limbe Airport is a requisite to major activities and engagement in the region.

Nearby Hotel: Victoria Guest House Hotel
Nearby Restaurants: Aletop Restaurant

Cameroon offers breathtaking landscapes, unspoilt nature, and a unique blend of wildlife and tranquillity. Its airports provide smooth and convenient travel from destinations worldwide. Whether you prefer private jets, affordable direct flights, or domestic connections, there are plenty of options to suit your needs. Discover the beauty of Cameroon with TripXL and enjoy a seamless, unforgettable holiday experience.

Cover Photo: dmncwndrlch / Pixabay / Image For Representation Only

Frequently Asked Questions

The cooler seasons guarantee a favourable stay in Cameroon and travel across the distinct regions.
The diversity in the geographical features of Cameroon is stunning. It has coastal plains, plateaus, highlands, and lowlands.
A visa is required unless you are from one of the visa-exempt countries. Cameroon offers the facility of obtaining an e-visa through its online platforms. Checking the visa policy documents before applying is advised.
Cameroon has 33 airports and airfields, both international and regional airports.
Make sure you have the boarding pass and visas. To prevent delays, ensure compliance with the luggage protocols. A customs declaration is required on arrival at the airport.

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