• Cameroon unveils renovation plan for Douala Airport; work starts in H2 2026
• XAF95 billion project includes apron expansion, terminal upgrade, and added facilities
• Capacity to rise to 2.5M passengers; aims to boost regional hub status

Aéroports du Cameroun (ADC) has presented the detailed preliminary design for the renovation of the passenger terminal at Douala International Airport, the company said on Wednesday during its 136th board meeting. The presentation outlined the technical, architectural and operational elements that will guide the project as it moves toward execution.

The design was prepared by the French consortium TPF/Kardham, which said the plan meets international standards and integrates Cameroonian cultural elements. The renovation is divided into two main phases.

Airside Expansion and Terminal Upgrade

The first phase covers airside expansion, including construction of a new 36,000-square-metre apron west of Pier B. The contract, valued at 10.4 billion CFA francs ($18.4 million) including taxes, was awarded in October 2025 to China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC) for a 12-month schedule. The additional apron is intended to increase aircraft parking capacity, improve traffic flow and strengthen operational safety, paving the way for higher volumes of international and regional flights.

The second phase focuses on modernising the existing terminal and adding new facilities. Plans include renovating 20,000 square metres of current space, building 10,000 square metres of new space, installing 10 additional check-in counters, upgrading 80% of baggage carousels and adding two elevators and three ramps for passengers with reduced mobility. Work will be carried out while the airport remains open.

Financing and Timeline

The project is financed through a partnership between the French Development Agency (AFD), which is providing 66 billion CFA francs, and ADC. Total cost is estimated at 95 billion CFA francs, including taxes and customs duties covered by the state.

ADC Chairman Fritz Ntone Ntone said the pre-qualification of companies for the terminal works is underway and that the financing agreement with AFD is expected to be signed soon. Construction is scheduled to begin in the second half of 2026, with completion planned for June 2028.

Once completed, Douala International Airport’s annual capacity is expected to rise from 1.5 million to 2.5 million passengers and reach IATA Level C. The airport’s security rating will also move to level 7, a key requirement for international carriers. The project is part of Cameroon’s goal to strengthen Douala’s position as a regional hub in Central Africa and improve competitiveness within the CEMAC bloc.

Frédéric Nonos, Business in Cameroon