Royal Airways enters regional arena with new N’Djamena–Douala link

The recent announcement from Royal Airways marks an important moment for Central Africa’s aviation landscape, as the Chadian carrier prepares to operate its first international service between N’Djamena and Douala. According to multiple industry updates, the route is scheduled to launch around mid‑September 2025, with several sources pointing specifically to 15 September as the planned start date. Though the exact inaugural day varies across preliminary reports, the consensus remains that the connection represents the airline’s first step beyond domestic skies.

For years, traffic between Chad and Cameroon has been dominated by a narrow set of operators. The entry of Royal Airways ends the longstanding duopoly traditionally held by CAMAIR‑CO and ASKY Airlines on this strategic corridor, as noted by industry observers. For African aviation professionals, this development reflects a broader shift in the region toward strengthening indigenous carriers capable of stimulating competition, improving fares, and offering more reliable connectivity for business and trade flows that depend heavily on the Central African route network.

Royal Airways, a private airline based in N’Djamena, has been steadily expanding its presence across Chad’s domestic market over the past years, gradually building a foundation for regional growth. Industry summaries indicate the Douala route will initially operate three times weekly.Although the carrier has not yet publicly detailed the aircraft type or the full operational timetable, the planned frequency suggests a measured approach focused on sustainable entry rather than rapid expansion. This strategy often proves efficient for emerging airlines in Central Africa, where fleet size, market maturity, and regulatory processes all influence network decisions.

The choice of Douala as the first international destination makes strategic sense for several reasons. Cameroon’s economic capital serves as a vital gateway for Central African trade, offering access not only to local markets but also to major seaport logistics pipelines. For Chadian businesses, improved access to Douala can reduce transit constraints and foster closer integration with coastal supply chains. For tourism professionals working in sub‑Saharan Africa, this new connectivity opens opportunities to package multi‑country experiences that combine Chad’s cultural, desert and wildlife attractions with Cameroon’s coastal, culinary and cultural offerings.

Industry watchers have long pointed out that Chad’s potential for tourism growth remains under‑explored, partly due to limited air access and the absence of competitive regional links. The arrival of a new operator on a high‑demand route addresses one of the structural barriers that previously limited inbound and outbound flows. A stronger presence by Royal Airways may enhance Chad’s positioning as a regional connector, especially as Central African airports work to increase capacity, upgrade terminals and streamline processes.

For Cameroon, the new route comes at a time when the country is looking to diversify its air service portfolio. Douala’s airport continues to attract new operators, and additional frequencies from Central African carriers contribute to reinforcing its role as a commercial and cultural hub. Airlines across the region increasingly see Douala as a strategic anchor, whether as a link toward West Africa, a feeder point for Central African passengers, or an interface with long‑haul carriers from Europe and the Middle East.

Competition on the N’Djamena–Douala route is expected to yield several benefits. More operators typically lead to improved schedule flexibility, better service reliability, and potentially more attractive pricing for both business travellers and VFR (visiting friends and relatives) segments. This opens the door for African travel specialists to craft more compelling regional itineraries connecting Chad and Cameroon, two neighbours with deeply interlinked cultural and commercial ties.

Market analysts have noted that Royal Airways’ entry into the international space reflects a growing ambition among smaller African carriers to participate more actively in cross‑border networks. By moving beyond domestic routes, such carriers can unlock new revenue flows, balance seasonal demand cycles, and build resilience amid shifting market conditions. At the same time, regional integration remains a central priority for Central Africa, where improved connectivity can accelerate economic diversification and strengthen resilience across key industries.

The wider aviation context in 2025 shows an increase in regional route openings across Africa as countries and carriers seek to stabilise post‑pandemic recovery and position themselves for medium‑term growth. Travellers across the continent, especially businesses and NGOs, continue to seek reliable intra‑African connections that bypass long detours through hubs outside the region. Royal Airways’ new service directly responds to this demand, offering a practical link that shortens travel time and simplifies coordination for cross‑border projects.

For African professionals in the tourism and aviation sector, several opportunities emerge from this development. First, the increased visibility of Chad as an outbound and inbound market will encourage partnerships between local operators, regional wholesalers and ground suppliers in Cameroon. Second, the presence of a new competitor may prompt existing operators to adjust service offerings, improve schedule balance or refine their pricing strategies. Third, more consistent links between the two countries create favourable conditions for developing thematic products such as cultural itineraries, business missions, culinary trails or ecological exploration tours across the Sahel and Central African forest belt.

The expected launch of Royal Airways’ first international route also highlights the need for continuous investment in operational readiness. As the carrier steps into a new regulatory and commercial environment, efficiency and reliability will be critical to establishing trust among frequent flyers, corporate clients and distribution partners. Furthermore, for tourism players monitoring airlift trends, the move underscores the importance of maintaining up‑to‑date product knowledge in an increasingly fast‑moving African airline market.

Industry members will continue watching Royal Airways closely as the airline progresses toward its mid‑September debut. Adjustments to the schedule, aircraft assignment, or frequencies remain possible as regulatory approvals and commercial alignments evolve. Nevertheless, the launch itself stands as a positive signal for Central Africa’s aviation ecosystem: an affirmation that new entrants are ready to challenge historical limitations and offer fresh momentum to regional connectivity.

As the region prepares for this new phase, stakeholders across Africa’s tourism and aviation industries can leverage this development to strengthen collaborations, expand marketing strategies and diversify product offerings. The N’Djamena–Douala connection may represent only the first step in Royal Airways’ international ambitions, but it already contributes to reshaping the competitive landscape and enhancing the continent’s ability to connect its travellers, businesses and experiences more efficiently than before.