Hajj 2025: Ecstasy as plane picks pilgrims from Koutaba airport after 36 years.

Monday’s flight was the first in 36 years, thousands who witnessed the exercise said. The special flight, officials said, was ordered by the Head of State, Paul Biya, to give the pilgrims a memorable Hajj. 

From the time the plane landed, to boarding and eventual ascent to the skies, it was unending celebrations at the Koutaba airport.

Administrative authorities, pilgrims and their family members spared no minute in showering praises on the Head of State, Paul Biya, whom they said has shown his attachment to always supporting journeys to the holy land.

The Governor of the West Region, Awa Fonkwa Augustine, witnessed the boarding and takeoff. This was in the company of local administrative and security officials alongside the Minister Delegate to the Minister of Transport, Njoya Zachariaou.

Governor Awa Fonka thanked the Head of State for ordering special measures in the interest of Muslim pilgrims in his area of command.  “We came here to thank the Head of State, who authorised this light and made it possible for the pilgrims,” he said. 

Before the pilgrims boarded the plane, Governor Awa Fonka greeted them one after the other, wishing them the best in their spiritual journey. Other officials at the airport also did same while family members watched from the sidelines, with many shouting unendingly at the sight of a plane on Koutaba soil close to forty years after it was last seen.

The pilgrims also praised the Minister of Territorial Administration, Paul Atanga Nji, who is Chairperson of the National Hajj Commission, for implementing Presidential directives without complacency. 

Officials of the Cameroon Civil Aviation Authority at the airport, told reporters that extreme measures were put in place to ensure a safe flight for the pilgrims. 

The 180 pilgrims joined others at the Douala airport before taking another flight to their destination.

 While similar flights have taken off in Douala, Yaounde and Maroua with Muslim pilgrims, the one in Koutaba has continued to generate more positive reactions nationwide. 

It is a rare addition to the annual package of support, which the Head of State, Paul Biya, has been giving to Muslim pilgrims nationwide.

This article was first published in The Guardian Post Edition No:3457 of Tuesday May 27, 2025