Senegal’s Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko has given the Minister of Land and Air Transport 30 days to implement key measures aimed at revitalizing Air Sénégal, the national carrier, following a Cabinet meeting on Wednesday, February 11.
The measures include accelerating the airline’s full recovery plan, launching a refinancing operation, presenting a detailed proposal for definitive recapitalization, and completing a rationalization audit followed by adoption of a corrective plan.
To ensure continuity of operations, the Prime Minister instructed the Finance Minister to urgently mobilize resources to settle overdue payments to essential suppliers through a justified budget reallocation.
Air Sénégal has faced persistent operational and governance challenges, relying heavily on leased aircraft and at times operating with a reduced fleet due to unpaid obligations. This has forced suspensions and scaling back of unprofitable routes, while the airline posted consecutive operating losses, including CFA89 billion in 2022 and CFA57 billion in 2023.
Since 2018, the airline has received CFA181 billion in public support, with over CFA100 billion spent on aircraft leases. Its debt exceeded CFA118 billion as of April 2025.
In addition to immediate measures, the government plans to create Air Sénégal Express, a subsidiary focused on domestic and regional routes. Reforms under consideration include performance contracts, opening capital to private investors, and pursuing strategic partnerships to strengthen the airline’s regional footprint.
