An interministerial meeting chaired by Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko was held on Thursday, 3 April 2025, to assess the current status and future direction of AIBD SA and Air Senegal SA—two critical components of Senegal’s air transport sector. Air transport and its related infrastructure play a pivotal role in Senegal’s economic growth, particularly within the national transformation framework, Vision Senegal 2050. However, both AIBD SA and Air Senegal SA are facing significant financial challenges that threaten their long-term viability and capacity to support national development goals.
Air Senegal SA, created in 2018 following the collapse of Senegal Airlines, has received state support totalling CFA 181 billion. Despite this, the airline currently carries debt exceeding CFA 118 billion, having incurred losses of CFA 89 billion in 2022 and CFA 57 billion in 2023. These losses have been attributed to managerial shortcomings and questionable decisions, including over CFA 100 billion spent on aircraft leases. A 2022 recovery plan for the airline was only implemented at 5%.
Meanwhile, AIBD SA, which became a public asset manager in 2017 and was tasked with executing the country’s air hub strategy, is also in a critical financial position. The company’s 2024 budget is CFA 23 billion, yet internal revenues only reach CFA 6 billion. A surge in personnel numbers—from 275 in June 2021 to 983 in 2024—has further strained resources. Additionally, CFA 200 billion from the Airport Infrastructure Development Fee (RDIA), meant to support the air hub, has been spent through confidential contracts that have yet to be justified. Despite total commitments of CFA 470 billion, including amendments, progress has been limited: only one airport, Cap Skirring, has received certification, while several other projects remain incomplete. The concession agreement between AIBD SA and LAS (LIMAK/AIBD/SUMA), the operator of Blaise Diagne International Airport, has also not been reviewed.
In response, the Senegalese government has adopted strategic directives aimed at repositioning Air Senegal SA as the cornerstone of national air transport. This will be achieved through the creation of a diversified aviation group that supports the air hub development strategy outlined in Vision Senegal 2050. AIBD SA will play a complementary role by deploying modern infrastructure to support the increasing demand for air traffic and enhancing connectivity across eight identified economic development zones. A strong regulatory framework will be established under the National Civil Aviation and Meteorology Authority (ANACIM) to support this strategy.
The implementation of this plan is expected to generate socio-economic benefits, including increased tourism, expanded trade, improved investment appeal, and the creation of skilled jobs. Institutional coordination between AIBD SA and Air Senegal SA will be reinforced under the supervision of both technical and financial ministries and the Prime Minister’s Office. While maintaining their operational autonomy, both entities are expected to align with national strategic priorities. Furthermore, the government will encourage private sector participation through public-private partnerships and capital investments in regional airport operations.
The government also plans to establish “aeropoles” around the airports of Saint-Louis, Ziguinchor, and Diass, comprising industrial facilities, aviation training centres, and commercial hubs. Financial support will be directed toward ANACIM to facilitate the digitalisation of procedures in accordance with international standards. A National Civil Aviation Council will be created under the Prime Minister’s supervision to provide strategic direction and oversight for the sector.
Several specific measures have been outlined for Air Senegal SA. The Finance and Transport Ministries are tasked with developing a comprehensive plan to clear the airline’s operational debts by June 2025 and ensure adequate working capital. A full audit of the company will be carried out to assess its operational, financial, and organisational standing. Air Senegal will be recapitalised through an accordion mechanism, injecting at least CFA 16 billion in liquidity to restore equity. Its network and fleet will be resized according to real demand and financial capability, and new strategic partnerships will be pursued. Development plans and performance contracts for the period 2025–2029 must be completed by June 2025. The government will also create a new subsidiary, Air Senegal Express, focused on domestic and regional flights, with capital open to national private investors. Efforts will also be made to finalise the acquisition and deployment of L410NG aircraft as per the current contracts and financing arrangements.
For AIBD SA, the government has mandated a full audit of procurement practices, cancellation of non-essential contracts, and a reorganisation of key priorities. A human resources and organisational audit will also be completed, followed by the implementation of a revised structure. Operational expenditure is to be streamlined by the end of 2025. A negotiated social plan will be developed to rationalise staffing levels, and efforts will be made to harmonise employee statutes with those of the former Aéroports du Sénégal (ADS). Provisions will be made to settle legacy liabilities and clear outstanding payments associated with air safety fees.
The government will also undertake a review of the concession agreement for Blaise Diagne International Airport and re-evaluate projects under the air hub strategy, prioritising those with high profitability and strategic relevance. A mechanism will be created to settle the RDIA debt owed by Air Senegal to AIBD SA. To reduce reliance on public financing, AIBD SA will explore alternative funding models, including PPPs, sukuk, and multilateral partnerships, with refinancing negotiations set to begin in 2026. Reciprocal debts between the state and AIBD SA will be formalised through a cross-debt management agreement.
To support exports, measures will be implemented to develop the air freight sector, with a focus on fisheries, agriculture, and artisanal goods. Finally, airport certification efforts will continue, including completing certification of Cap Skirring, finalising the Ziguinchor and Matam–Ouroussogui airports by the end of 2025, and transferring management of Saint-Louis Airport to ASECNA by September 2025.
