About RAP-AID
Project background and rationale
Douala International Airport, Cameroon's main air gateway and a benchmark hub in Central Africa, operates in a context marked by growing air traffic demand and increasingly stringent requirements in terms of safety, security, facilitation and quality of service.
… (More)Objectives
Overall objective — RAP-AID aims to modernise the terminal's infrastructure and equipment in order to durably improve the airport's operational performance, strengthen regulatory compliance and support the growth of air traffic. It will thus help maintain the platform's international standards and reinforce its regional competitiveness.
… (More)History and institutional ownership
The RAP-AID project is the second component of the Douala Airport Rehabilitation Programme (PRAD), which began in 2015 with the rehabilitation of the airfield pavements (runway and aircraft parking areas).
… (More)Package 1 — Airfield pavement extension
Technical details
Extension of Taxiway Alpha and the East-side aircraft parking apron.
Creation of new parking stands for medium and wide-body aircraft.
Reinforcement of existing pavements to ICAO standards.
Integration of lighting and drainage systems compliant with international standards.
Capacity and safety objectives
Increase the airport's handling capacity, with more aircraft stands available.
Improve ground traffic flow, particularly during peak hours.
Strengthen the safety of airport operations by reducing traffic conflicts.
Enable the simultaneous, safe reception of several wide-body aircraft.
Company in charge: China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC)
Awarded the contract following an international tender.
Recognised for its expertise in major airport infrastructure works.
Under the supervision of the technical project management and technical control missions.
Execution time: 12 months — Works start: June 2026
Package 2 — Terminal Building
An extension of around 25,000 m² to accommodate the Baggage Handling System (BHS), the check-in hall, the passenger and cabin-baggage screening area, and a new central departure lounge.
Refurbishment of a set of terminal spaces covering a total area of around 33,000 m²: the public hall and check-in hall, piers A and B, the baggage claim hall, arrival immigration/police-customs (PIF/PAF), airside offices, and VIP lounges.
Modern, clean and functional design, inspired by international standards.
Integration of Cameroonian cultural elements into the interior design.
Optimised surfaces for better management of passenger flows (arrivals/departures).
Ground + 1 building with a clear separation between domestic and international passenger circuits.
Modernised retail, catering, duty-free and VIP lounge areas.
Execution time: 30 months
Package 3 — Modern equipment
Automated Baggage Handling Systems (BHS).
Latest-generation security gates (e-gates, 3D scanners).
Free high-speed Wi-Fi connectivity.
Multilingual signage and interactive kiosks.
Facilities for reduced-mobility passengers (PRM).
New technical building (power, security, maintenance).
Redevelopment of access roads and vehicle car parks.
Modernised baggage sorting centre and cargo area.
Centralised IT infrastructure for smart terminal management.
