About 903 pilgrims stuck in Garoua

The bridge between the city of Medina in Saudi Arabia where the Holy Land is found and Garoua is now inaccessible.

Flights between the two cities were suspended by the crew of the EuroAtlantic Airways Company which provided transportation from Thursday, September 3 between Garoua and Medina on Monday, September 7.

“The aircraft has to go for maintenance," announced the Portuguese crew to the Cameroonian pilgrims. The pilgrims and their coaches were asked to exercise patience while awaiting the return of aircraft at the Garoua International Airport.

About 903 pilgrims, mainly from the northernmost region, impatiently await this air plane to reach the Holy Land in Mecca for one of the most important events in the life of a Muslim. Hotels and other touristic accommodation in the city of Garoua were full with these ‘foreigners’ from the Far North.

The approval for the transportation of pilgrims for this year was been granted to the national airline, Camair-Co, which contracted with the Portuguese company EuroAntlantic Airways.

From Thursday 3 to Monday, September 7, the Portuguese company had already transported 2 097 pilgrims to Mecca. The other 903 pilgrims have their fingers crossed while waiting for the return of this jumbo at the Garoua International Airport.