Douala Airport Guide

Whether you have a layover, overnight sleepover or you are just quickly passing through, our Douala Airport Guide is a great place to start planning your visit. Here, you’ll find information on services and facilities available inside the airport – including details about airport lounges, WiFi, mobile charging points, lockers, 24-hour food options, nearby hotels, and everything in between.

The sight of Kenya Airways on the tarmac is a religious moment. Ahhh, they’ve finally come to get me! – unknown

DLA Airport Overview

To help you plan your layover or overnight sleepover, here is a quick run-down about what to expect during your time at Douala Airport.

What to Expect

Douala Airport (code: DLA) has a small, outdated terminal with many problems. Travellers report that staff, security, and locals often seek bribes or try to scam passengers by pretending to help with luggage, offering taxi services, or demanding that checked luggage is overweight. Be prepared to ignore most non-essential interactions. The building is lacking, with filthy toilets, lack of signage and lighting, and non-existent air conditioning, except at the gate areas. Try to minimize your time here, but inefficient and long security processes mean you probably don’t want to arrive too close to your flight time.

Facilities are limited to a restaurant and a few basic shops. WiFi is available to help pass the time. For added comfort while you wait, economy class passengers can pay to enter three airport lounges.

Sleeping in Douala Airport

We do not yet have any sleep-related airport reviews. For uninterrupted sleep, nearby hotels offer shuttle service. See our Airport Hotels section below for more info.

Read the latest traveller airport reviews for more tips. For more airport information, continue scrolling down to explore more in our Douala Airport Guide.

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Airport Hours

Douala International Airport appears to operate 24 hours a day; however, we were unable to confirm official public opening hours. If you are planning to stay overnight, we strongly recommend checking recent traveller reviews to see whether overnight stays are tolerated.

Rest & Relaxation Zones

There are no dedicated sleeping areas, quiet areas or rest zones. If this information has changed, click here to update this guide.

Cots

The airport does not provide cots to stranded travellers. If this has changed, click here to update the guide.

Airport Hotels

If sleeping in Douala Airport sounds like a nightmare, there are hotels within walking distance or a short drive:

Saffana Hôtel (0.7 mi / 1.1 km) Budget hotel.

Looking for more options? Browse the complete list of hotels near Douala Airport on Expedia.

Airport Lounges

Pay-per-use, Single Visit Passes & Lounge Memberships

Regardless of what class of service you are flying, there are lounges that you can enter by paying at the door or through a lounge membership program.

Club Market VIP Lounge – Location: Main Terminal, Landside, before Security and Passport Control, near the ATM in the main hall. Hours: 7:00 AM – 3:00 PM (Mon, Tues, Thurs, Sat & Sun); 3:00 PM – 10:30 PM (Wed & Fri). Showers: No. Dedicated Rest Zone: No. Sleep Facilities: No. Lounge Access: Pay at the door • Lounge membership programs • Credit card rewards programs.
Air France Lounge – Location: Main Terminal, Landside, International Departures, before Security. Hours: 10:00 AM – 11:00 PM. Showers: No. Dedicated Rest Zone: No. Sleep Facilities: No. Lounge Access: Lounge membership programs • Credit card rewards programs • Complimentary access for eligible Air France and KLM Business Class passengers • Flying Blue Platinum and Gold members • SkyTeam Elite Plus members.

Airline Lounges

If you are a First or Business Class traveller, you may have access to the lounges listed below. For more information, check the airline’s website.

Camair-Co Lounge – Location: Main Terminal, Airside, International Departures. Hours: 5:00 AM – 10:00 PM. Showers: No. Dedicated Rest Zone: No. Sleep Facilities: No. Lounge Access: Complimentary for eligible Camair-Co Business Class passengers and frequent flyers.

Drinking Water

Information is unavailable. Does the airport have water fountains or water bottle refill stations? Click here to update this guide.

Food & Drinks

Dining options appear limited. A restaurant known as “Doual’air” has been reported, but we were unable to confirm its exact location or operating hours. Food availability may depend on flight schedules, so consider purchasing snacks in advance if you expect to be there overnight.

Luggage Storage & Lockers

Unavailable. If this is incorrect, click here to update this guide.

Mobile Charging

We could not confirm the availability of charging stations or power outlets. Travellers may want to carry a portable power bank, especially for longer layovers.

Showers

Unavailable. If this is incorrect, click here to update this guide.

WiFi/Internet

WiFi is available at Douala Airport.

Security & Safety

Sleeping in any airport can include a certain level of risk, especially when travelling alone. It’s important to take certain precautions to ensure your safety and the security of your valuables. Here are a few tips:

Safety First. It’s a good idea to know where the security office is located and look for video cameras where you plan to sleep. You can also ask the security personnel for advice on the safest places to spend the night.
Don’t Seclude Yourself. If you’re travelling alone, we recommend you stay near other travellers or close to security. This will help you feel more secure and deter potential thieves.
Hide Your Valuables. It’s also important to hide your valuables. Don’t leave them out in plain view, as this could make you a target for theft. Additionally, if you are a deep sleeper, you may want to padlock your bag to something or sleep with your bag up against a wall to make it harder for someone to access zippers and pockets. We have received reports of sleepers who woke up without their phones and laptop bags. The travellers were left with just their headphones and laptop bag strap.
Stay Alert. It’s best to stay alert and awake if you feel unsafe or uncomfortable. Drink coffee or other caffeinated beverages to help you stay awake, and remember that you can always catch up on sleep during your flight. These simple precautions can help you enjoy a safe night at the airport.

More Airport Information

More Services, Facilities & Things To Do On A Layover

ATMs / Cash Machines – Need cash? ATMs are available Landside. Fees may apply, so check your bank’s fee schedule and daily withdrawal limits before travelling internationally. You may also wish to notify your bank of your travel plans.
Children’s Play Areas – There are no dedicated children’s play areas.
Currency Exchange – Foreign currency exchange services are available in the public areas of both the International and Domestic terminals.
Duty-Free & Shopping – Souvenir shops sell Cameroonian gifts and merchandise. Duty-free shopping is available in the International terminal.
Information Desk – Information counters are located in the public areas, and roaming staff are available to assist passengers. Staff speak both French and English.
Luggage Trolleys – Luggage trolleys are available free of charge in departures, baggage claim, and the car park.

Airlines

Douala Airport is served by the following airlines: Africa’s Connection STP • Air Côte d’Ivoire • Air France • Arik Air • ASKY Airlines • Brussels Airlines • Camair-Co • CEIBA Intercontinental • Congo Airways • Cronos Airlines • Egyptair • Ethiopian Airlines • Kenya Airways • Royal Air Maroc • RwandAir • Tchadia Airlines • Trans Air Congo • Turkish Airlines.

Airport Transportation: Getting To/From The Airport

Car Rentals

These car rental agencies offer service on-site: Autorent • Avis • Car Hire Joss.

Compare car rental prices on Expedia

Hotel Shuttles

Taxis

Both private and shared-ride taxis are readily available for hire in the ground transportation area.

Last updated: 2026-02-18

This guide is for informational purposes only to assist with your planning. All information, including rates and hours, is subject to change at any time without notice. The information in this airport guide is based on information collected and/or received from the airports, lounges, hotels, transportation providers, and their websites. We are not representatives of any of the above-mentioned service providers. To report errors or to add/update any items mentioned in the guide: update the airport guide or write a review.