Air Senegal, the national airline of Senegal, announced on Wednesday that it will suspend flights to seven destinations as part of a network restructuring plan. The suspensions, set to begin in mid-September, will impact flights from Dakar to New York, Milan, Libreville, Douala, Barcelona, Marseille, and Lyon.
The airline stated on its Facebook page that the decision is intended to optimize its network. This move follows increasing criticism from passengers who have frequently complained about delays on both domestic and international flights.
Local newspaper L’Observateur reported that the reduction in routes is due to a combination of factors, including the rationalization of resources, an inadequate fleet, and the lack of profitability of certain services.
Air Senegal, a state-owned carrier, was established in May 2018 after the collapse of Senegal Airlines in 2016. The carrier is part of a broader initiative to position Dakar as a regional air hub, supported by the newly inaugurated international airport and upgraded provincial airports.
The airline’s recent route suspensions come as it faces growing challenges in maintaining service efficiency and profitability.