N'Djamena Airport
N'Djamena Airport, located in the north-western corner of N'Djamena, is the main airport in Chad and is served by a number of airlines including Air France (with Paris being the only non African city of departure into Chad), ASKY Airlines, Ethiopian Airlines and Toumaï Air Chad, Chad's own airline, an airline where there are such concerns about its operational safety that US Embassy staff are banned from its use!
N'Djamena Airport is renowned for its lax security with those security officers who are present are happy to explain that there is no money for proper equipment or staff. A lack of electricity means that the one cafe/restaurant in the airport is lit only by candles, the airport's shop rarely opens and when you empty your bags at customs you are likely to be instantly surrounded by Chadians begging you for your possessions to keep as souvenirs. Throw in the reported surliness and hostility of the staff working at N'Djamena Airport and you'll probably want to keep it off your "must visit" list, although fishing in nearby Lake Chad remains a worthwhile attraction!
N'Djamena Airport is both a civilian and military base, being the home of the Chadian Air Force with its twenty aircraft, including eight helicopters. The French have also maintained a presence there since 1986 as part of Operation Epervier; a defence agreement between Chad and France. In this video take off from N'Djamena International Airport and see Chad from the sky.
TAGS: N'Djamena Airport, N'Djamena International Airport, N'Djamena Airport Chad, N'Djamena Airport Africa, N'Djamena Civilian Airport, N'Djamena Military Airport