As Pope Leo XIV's visit to Cameroon approaches, Archbishop of Bamenda, Andrew Nkea, has announced that Bamenda Airport will remain operational after the pontiff's departure. This declaration puts an end to the uncertainty surrounding the future of this infrastructure, which has been closed since 2019 following threats of separatist attacks.
Bishop Nkea told state media that discussions are underway with authorities to determine the frequency of weekly flights to Bamenda. He assured that the airport would not be abandoned again, emphasizing the desire to maintain its activity in the long term.
The airport's closure in 2019 occurred after a Camair-Co flight was targeted by gunfire. Recently, renovation and modernization work has been undertaken in preparation for the papal visit. These improvements could mark an important step in the sustainable revival of the airport.
Bamenda Airport, which has a 2,500-meter runway, is capable of accommodating Boeing 737 type aircraft. The Cameroon Civil Aviation Authority (CCAA) has implemented operational improvements, including the validation of new satellite flight procedures (RNAV/GNSS). These measures aim to ensure the safety of the Pope's journey and facilitate air traffic. The CCAA is also supervising the installation of radio navigation equipment and the rehabilitation of meteorological equipment.
Pope Leo XIV's visit to Cameroon will take place from April 15 to 18, 2026, and will include stops in Yaoundé, Douala and Bamenda. The Bamenda leg is considered particularly important due to the ongoing separatist conflict in the Anglophone region. The papal visit could bring a message of peace and reconciliation to a divided nation.
