A Camair-Co flight, serving the Yaoundé-Garoua route, was forced to alter its course on Friday, May 8, 2026, due to a technical incident shortly after takeoff. The aircraft eventually landed in Douala for safety checks, with no reported injuries among the passengers.
According to passenger accounts relayed by Équinoxe Télévision, flight QC222 had departed from Yaoundé around 10:00 AM en route to Garoua. Shortly after takeoff, the plane reportedly struck a bird, causing an unusual noise that alerted passengers. This type of incident is known as a "bird strike," which can potentially damage an aircraft's engines or propulsion systems.
The pilot reportedly informed passengers of the need to land in Douala to conduct thorough technical inspections. According to explanations given on board, this decision was also motivated by the lack of qualified technicians in Garoua to perform the necessary checks immediately. Aircraft maintenance in Cameroon is primarily concentrated in Douala and Yaoundé, which can pose logistical challenges for secondary airports.
The landing in Douala occurred without incident. Passengers disembarked and awaited further information regarding the continuation of their journey and the reorganization of operations. The company has not yet released an official statement regarding the incident.
Camair-Co transported 600,000 passengers in 2024, a significant figure in its recovery strategy after years of financial and operational difficulties. The Cameroonian national airline, established in 2006, has often faced management issues, debt, and an aging fleet. Technical incidents and delays have frequently plagued the company. In January 2025, a QC222 flight from Douala to Garoua experienced cabin depressurization upon landing, causing panic among passengers.
