Salam

Salam Airport, also known as Salak Airport, is not merely a transport hub but a true gateway to the "other" Cameroon. Situated amidst the sultry landscapes of the Sahel, it welcomes travellers with hot winds and views of boundless plains, preparing them for an encounter with the unique nature of the Far North. It is from here that the most exciting expeditions begin to the Kapsiki peaks and the famous Waza National Park, where elephants and giraffes can be seen in their natural habitat.

Features and Advantages of the Airport:

Salam Airport holds international status, being the fourth most significant aviation hub in the country. Despite this title, it retains the atmosphere of a cosy regional airport, where all procedures are completed quickly and without the hustle and bustle typical of capital city hubs.

The main advantage of this air harbour is its strategic location. For tourists, it is the only fast way to reach the attractions of the north, bypassing long (over 24 hours) journeys by car or train from the central part of the country. The airport is located in the village of Salak, and the journey to the city of Maroua via a paved road takes only about 20–30 minutes.

The terminal infrastructure is simple and functional, allowing passengers to spend minimum time on formalities. There are no confusing corridors here, and the staff, accustomed to a small flow of guests, work efficiently to ensure a comfortable start to your journey through the Sahel.

Finding direct and permanently active contacts for a small regional airport like Salam (MVR) can be challenging. Primary interaction with passengers is usually conducted by the airlines. Below is the most current and useful information for travellers.

• Official Website: Maroua-Salam Airport (MVR) does not have a separate official website. The airport is managed by the company Aéroports du Cameroun (ADC S.A.), but for up-to-date flight information, it is best to contact your air carrier directly.
• Help Desk Phone: A single public help desk number for the airport is often unavailable. For questions regarding schedules, delays, or flight cancellations, it is recommended to contact the airline you are flying with directly.
• Airport Address: Salam Airport is located near the city of Maroua at: Salak, Maroua, Extreme North Region, Cameroon.
• Email: There is no specialized e-mail for passenger enquiries. All communications should be conducted through your airline's official support channels.
• Social Media: The airport does not maintain official pages on social networks. News and flight updates are published by the air carriers.
• Lost Luggage Information: If your luggage has been lost or damaged, you must immediately contact the Lost and Found service of your airline at the airport of arrival. It is the air carrier that is responsible for luggage and handles its search.
• Passenger Support Contacts: Any issues related to tickets, flight check-in, and carriage rules are resolved through the support service of the airline operating your flight to Cameroon.

You can get from the city centre of Maroua to Salam Airport (MVR), located approximately 20 km to the south, in several ways. The most convenient and popular option for tourists is a taxi. You can hail a private taxi in the city or book a transfer through your hotel. The journey will take about 30-45 minutes depending on traffic conditions. It is important to remember that taxis in Cameroon rarely use meters, so be sure to agree on the fare in advance. The estimated price for a trip to the airport is between 5,000 and 10,000 CFA francs (XAF).

For a more budget-friendly journey, you can use local public transport. The most common options are moto-taxis (known as "bend-skin") and shared taxis. This is the cheapest way to get to the airport, but it may not be very comfortable, especially if you have a lot of luggage. Moto-taxis are a fast but also riskier mode of transport. Shared taxis may make many stops along the way, increasing travel time. The cost of a trip on such transport will be significantly lower, but also requires prior negotiation.

If you prefer to drive yourself, you can find local car rental companies in Maroua. This option provides maximum freedom of movement but is recommended only for experienced drivers accustomed to the peculiarities of local traffic. To rent, you will likely need an International Driving Permit. Salam Airport itself has parking where you can leave a car for both short and long terms. It is best to check parking conditions and costs on-site.

To sum up, for a comfortable and safe trip to the airport, we recommend using taxi services or a pre-booked transfer. Regardless of the chosen method, always allow extra time for the journey to avoid missing your flight. Remember the need to bargain when using taxis and moto-taxis, and be attentive to your belongings during the trip.

Salam Airport (MVR) in the city of Maroua is a small and functional aviation hub with a structure that is simple and easy for travellers to understand. Unlike large international hubs, everything here is arranged as compactly as possible.

The airport consists of one passenger terminal, which serves both domestic flights within Cameroon and a few international routes. Thanks to this, passengers do not need to worry about transferring between different buildings — all procedures take place in one location. The terminal layout is linear and intuitive: the check-in area, followed by the security checkpoint and a small departure lounge. The arrivals area with the baggage claim belt is also located in the same building but has a separate exit.

Passing through check-in and security usually does not take much time due to the low passenger flow. Nevertheless, it is recommended to arrive at the airport in advance: approximately 1.5–2 hours before a domestic flight and 2–3 hours before an international one. This will allow you to complete all formalities without rushing, especially if several flights are departing simultaneously.

For navigation, simply follow the signs. All key points — from check-in counters to the boarding gate — are within walking distance of each other, making your stay at Salam Airport comfortable and predictable.

The history of Salam Airport (MVR), located in the city of Maroua, is closely intertwined with the development of the Far North Region of Cameroon and its strategic importance. Although the exact date of the airport's founding is rarely cited in public sources, its creation was dictated by the need to establish reliable air links with this remote part of the country, for both civil and administrative purposes.

A key stage in the airport's history was its transformation into a dual-purpose facility. Along with serving commercial flights connecting Maroua with Yaoundé and Douala, it acquired the status of an important military airbase. In recent decades, its role as a strategic centre has grown significantly. Salam Airport has become a key base for the Cameroon Air Force and international partners within the framework of security operations in the Lake Chad basin region.

This dual function served as an impetus for infrastructure modernisation. The runway and navigation equipment have been periodically updated to meet the requirements of both civil and military aviation. Historically, the airport has also played a notable role in the development of tourism, serving as the air gateway for travellers wishing to visit the famous Waza National Park and explore the unique culture of the country's north.

One of the most interesting facts about Salam Airport is precisely its hybrid nature. It is not just a transport hub, but a crucial element of the national security system. Its geographical position near the borders with several states historically predetermined its significance, which goes far beyond the standard functions of a regional airport.

Salam Airport (MVR) is a regional airport serving the city of Maroua and the northern part of Cameroon. The range of services here is focused on meeting the basic needs of passengers before departure or upon arrival.

Dining and Shops: There are several small outlets in the terminal where you can buy light snacks, sandwiches, pastries, as well as hot and cold drinks. The selection is limited, so do not count on a full lunch. There are also kiosks offering local souvenirs, necessities, and newspapers. There are no Duty Free shops in the classic sense here.

Lounges and Wi-Fi: A general waiting hall is available for passengers. A small VIP lounge may also function with more comfortable conditions, however, its availability and usage terms are best checked in advance with your airline. Free Wi-Fi at the airport may be unstable or absent, so it is recommended to have a local SIM card with mobile data. The number of power outlets for charging devices is limited, so a portable power bank will be very useful.

Financial Services: A currency exchange point may operate at the airport, but the rate is usually less favourable than in the city. It is recommended to exchange money in advance. The availability of ATMs should be checked on-site, as their operation is not always stable.

Additional Services:

• Medical Assistance: There is a first aid point on the airport territory for emergency cases.
• Passengers with Children: There are no specialised mother and child rooms, but airport staff are usually ready to provide assistance upon request.
• Passengers with Reduced Mobility: To arrange assistance, such as providing a wheelchair and escort, it is necessary to contact your airline representative well in advance.

Accommodation and Business Services: There are no hotels, conference halls, or business centres directly on the territory of Salam Airport. All the nearest hotels and business centres are located in the city of Maroua, which can be reached by taxi in approximately 30–45 minutes.

When planning a flight through Salam Airport (MVR) in the city of Maroua, it is important to understand that this is a small regional air terminal, and the choice of dining establishments here is quite modest. Nevertheless, passengers have the opportunity to have a snack before departure, and sometimes even to experience simple dishes of the local cuisine of Cameroon.

The main dining points are located in the main waiting hall (public area, before security control). Typically, these are small cafes or snack bars. After passing security (in the "clean" departure zone), the choice may be even more limited — possibly only a small kiosk with drinks and packaged snacks will be open. There are no full-service restaurants with extensive menus at Salam Airport.

For a quick snack, you can purchase bottled water, carbonated drinks, coffee, and snacks. If you want something more substantial, look for counters with local food. Here you can sometimes find popular Cameroonian dishes such as brochettes (small meat skewers), fried plantains, or simple rice and chicken dishes. This is a great opportunity to try authentic food at an affordable price.

Regarding special dietary requirements, finding vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free dishes will be extremely difficult. Passengers with strict dietary restrictions are advised to bring their own snacks. At the same time, since the region is predominantly Muslim, meat is often prepared according to Halal standards. Prices in local cafes are moderate, significantly lower than in large international airports. Opening hours are usually tied to the flight schedule, and they close after the departure of the last aircraft.

Travelling through Salam Airport, which serves the city of Maroua, will be more comfortable if you prepare in advance. It is recommended to arrive at the airport at least 2–2.5 hours before a domestic flight and 3 hours before an international one. This will give you enough time to calmly go through all pre-flight formalities without rushing, considering that the pace of work in regional airports may differ from large international hubs.

Keep all necessary documents ready: passport, printed or electronic ticket, and visa if required for your trip. Registration and screening procedures here are standard but may take more time. When passing through customs control upon arrival in Cameroon, be prepared to present a vaccination certificate (for example, against Yellow Fever) and declare valuables or large sums of cash if necessary.

Regarding hand luggage, follow the general rules: liquids in containers no larger than 100 ml, packed in a transparent bag, and no sharp objects. All valuables — money, documents, electronics, and fragile items — should always be taken with you into the cabin. To save money and time, check in for your flight online if your airline provides such an option, and pack your luggage so as not to exceed the free baggage allowance.

When choosing a seat on the plane, be guided by your preferences: a window seat will allow you to enjoy the views, while an aisle seat allows you to stretch your legs and stand up freely. If you have a connecting flight, be sure to check with the air carrier whether your luggage will be transferred automatically or if you need to collect and re-check it. In case of a flight delay, do not panic. Contact an airline representative to find out the reason, the estimated departure time, and the compensation due to you (food, drinks, or a hotel in case of a long delay).