South African Airways (SAA) will from next month reroute its flights from Douala International Airport in Cameroon to Yaounde, due to the closure of the airport in Douala, for reconstruction work.

“SAA’s four weekly flights from Johannesburg to Libreville (Gabon) and onwards to Douala in Cameroon will be rerouted from 1 until 21 March 2016 to the Nsimalen International Airport in Yaounde for the duration of the airport closure,” said SAA in a statement on Monday.

SAA spokesperson Tlali Tlali said an alternative entry point into Cameroon will ensure that there are no interruptions.

“We are pleased that an alternative entry point into Cameroon ensures that there are no interruptions in the service we offer during the time when the airport in Douala remains closed. We continue to explore new ways of providing the best service to our clients to ensure that we remain the carrier of choice for customers when they travel, both for business and leisure,” said Tlali.

Official notification to SAA by Cameroonian government officials states that the closure of the airport in Douala is temporary and due to the rehabilitation and upgrading of the main runway at Douala airport.

SAA has received permission from the International Air Service Licensing Council to reroute its flights to Yaounde.

Customers will be re-accommodated accordingly.

Flights will resume on the Johannesburg – Libreville – Douala routing from 22 March, should the Douala International Airport be open, said the national carrier.

SOURCE: SOUTH AFRICAN GOVERNMENT NEWS AGENCY