Starting operations in 1991,, Nsimalen was built to supersede the old international airport in Yaounde that was getting absorbed by the rapid growth of the city, it was also too close to the oil deposits of SCDP. This former international airport of Yaounde now serves as an airbase for the air force of Cameroon. In 2004, the Nsimalen airport served 190,487 passengers. Yaounde Nsimalen International airport has 14 direct flights to 11 countries. It is also the focus city for the most popular airline in Cameroon, CAMAIR-CO also known as Cameroon Airlines. The airport's growth of international traffic is 4% per year. The government has set a goal of servicing 1.5 million passengers and 50,000 tons of cargo per year.
Facilities
Yaounde Nsimalen International Airport covers 3,065 acres at an elevation of 694 m, and includes one passenger terminal, one cargo terminal and 6 aircraft stands. Nsimalen airport currently has one runway: heading 01/19, 3,400 m in length, with a width of 45 m, which could accommodate a B747. Nsimalen International Airport is equipped with modern facilities and can be accessed through 4 gates. It has 6 parking facilities, 2 of which are for long term use. Inside the terminal there are 10 check-in desks, currency exchange office, post office, restaurants, tourist information centre, business centre, banks and car rental and taxi services. Cargo facilities are equipped with a 1,839 m² warehouse, 12 x 747 Freighter docks, a transit zone, animal quarantine, health office, X-ray/handling/mechanical equipment and refrigerated storage.
Airlines and destinations
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Accidents and incidents
The following accidents and incidents occurred either at the airport, or involved aircraft from the airport.
On 30 August 1984, Cameroon Airlines Flight 786, a Boeing 737-200 registered as, experienced an engine malfunction when taxiing at Douala International Airport prior to departure for Yaounde. A fire from the damaged fuel tank engulfed the aircraft causing it to burn out. Two passengers were trapped by the flames and died. The remaining 107 passengers and seven crew members were able to evacuate the plane safely.
On 28 June 1989, a Cameroon Airlines Hawker Siddeley HS 748 plane from Bafoussam registered as overshot the runway by 43 m upon landing in stormy weather at Yaounde International Airport following a scheduled flight from Douala and collided with an embankment, killing the two pilots and one of the 45 passengers on board.
