On Tuesday, May 20, 2025, around 9 p.m., the Minister of Transport, Civil Aviation and National Meteorology, Fatima Goukouni Weddeye, conducted an unannounced visit to the rehabilitation site of the runway at Hassan Djamous International Airport in N’Djamena. This project is part of the country’s large-scale airport infrastructure modernization program.
This field visit allowed the Minister to assess the progress of the works, which began on April 22, 2025. It is worth noting that the works are carried out exclusively at night, resulting in temporary air traffic restrictions from 8 p.m. to 9 a.m.
The Minister observed that the project had effectively commenced and was progressing at an acceptable pace. However, she instructed all parties involved—particularly the construction firm RAZEL, which is executing the works, and the INDEEP control office—to address some minor deficiencies in implementation. She also urged them to accelerate the pace and redouble their efforts to meet contractual deadlines.
Representatives from RAZEL and INDEEP reassured the Minister of their commitment to meeting the deadlines in accordance with the timeline submitted to the contracting authority.
“ Our overall assessment is positive. The company has mobilized all the necessary technical and human resources to carry out the work, which is proceeding normally. Monitoring and oversight are being ensured by the control office, which is also present on site,” said the Minister of Transport, Civil Aviation and National Meteorology “.
The Minister emphasized that the rehabilitation of the airport is a top priority for the highest authorities of the Republic, especially Marshal Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno, President of the Republic and Head of State, who considers air connectivity as a strategic axis of national development. She reaffirmed her ministry’s determination to rigorously monitor this project to ensure the complete and safe resumption of airport operations as soon as possible.
Following the site visit, Minister Fatima Goukouni Weddeye also inspected the new equipment acquired by Tchad Handling Services (THS), the company responsible for ground handling services. THS has acquired two new buses for passenger transport, cargo handling machines, and other equipment aimed at improving service delivery.
The visit concluded with an inspection of the new VIP departure lounge for officials, a genuine gem that now offers full comfort to departing VIP passengers from Chad. The Minister encouraged the ASECNA delegation overseeing national aeronautical activities to speed up the renovation of the VIP arrival lounge and multiply initiatives to restore the image of N’Djamena Airport.
Source: Ministry of Transport, Civil Aviation and National Meteorology of Chad
