DOUALA AIRPORT : Underground Parking Reopens to the Public After Nine-Year Security Closure
La voix des entreprises 
(LVDE) — Nine years after its closure due to security threats, the underground parking at Douala International Airport finally reopened on January 21, 2026. Following six years of renovation and enhanced security measures, this modern facility, built to international standards, now welcomes its first vehicles, offering comfort and peace of mind to travelers while generating additional revenue for the airport.
The reopening marks the end of a long period of waiting. Closed since 2017 for security reasons, the underground parking, intended to provide safety and convenience to airport users, remained inaccessible for nearly a decade, constrained by anti-terrorism requirements and strict international safety standards.
The rehabilitation works, entrusted in 2019 to the Cameroonian company Christ Building under the supervision of Aéroports du Cameroun (ADC), involved significant financial and technical investments. Renovation efforts focused on securing the structure, reorganizing parking areas, upgrading lighting, and implementing safety systems aligned with international standards. Originally scheduled for completion ahead of CAN 2022, the project was delayed by lengthy administrative procedures and bureaucratic obstacles, keeping the site inactive despite investments estimated at over 400 million FCFA, according to Joseph Fongang Ngongang, CEO of Christ Building.
Direct intervention by Prime Minister Joseph Dion Ngute ultimately resolved the issues and allowed the reopening, highlighting the strategic importance of the site for airport operations. With 179 parking spaces, including a VIP section reserved for subscribers with personalized services, the underground facility now combines functionality and comfort. Dedicated lounge areas have also been created, allowing travelers to wait in a more pleasant environment before their flights.
For Christ Building, the reopening represents the culmination of years of investment and work. “Bringing the parking back into service allows us to capitalize on our efforts and meet our financial commitments,” said Mr. Ngongang. For ADC, this reopening is part of a broader airport modernization program valued at 95 billion FCFA, which also includes the renovation of the passenger terminal, with work set to begin in 2026.
Authorities hope the upgraded parking will enhance the traveler experience and strengthen Douala Airport’s capacity to handle growing traffic. Beyond parking, the reopening symbolizes the Cameroonian government’s commitment to modernizing aviation infrastructure and securing passenger flows in a context where safety remains a major priority. For travelers, the return of this facility ends a long wait and introduces a service that combines security, comfort, and modernity.
Tressy Chouente
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