Senegal has secured a series of structural aviation agreements following the 78th session of the ASECNA Committee of Ministers, held July 10 in Ciudad de la Paz, Equatorial Guinea. Led by Minister of Land and Air Transport Serigne Abdoul Ahad Ndiaye, the Senegalese delegation obtained formal approval to integrate the airports of Ziguinchor and Saint-Louis into the community activities of the Agency for Aerial Navigation Safety in Africa and Madagascar (ASECNA).
Integration of Ziguinchor and Saint-Louis Airports
The core of the agreement involves the technical regularization of the Ziguinchor and Saint-Louis airports within the ASECNA network. This integration allows both facilities to access the agency’s specialized programs, which include technical equipment, operational expertise, and investments designed to bolster aviation safety and performance.
According to the ministry, Ziguinchor will now receive technical management directly from ASECNA, a move intended to support the economic, tourist, and social development of the Casamance region. Saint-Louis, which was previously integrated in 2025 as a non-controlled aerodrome, has been upgraded to a controlled status. This change provides the facility with the full suite of navigation services necessary to facilitate regional energy and tourism sectors, as well as sub-regional trade.
Did You Know?
The airport at Saint-Louis had been operating as a non-controlled aerodrome since its integration into the ASECNA system in 2025 before receiving its new status as a controlled aerodrome during the July 10 ministerial session.
Modernization and Capacity Building in Dakar
Beyond airport integration, the ministerial session approved several measures to upgrade Senegal’s broader aeronautical infrastructure. The government plans to revise the methodology for determining staffing levels at the Dakar Air Control Center to better align with rising air traffic and international safety standards.
A new emergency plan was also adopted to modernize strategic equipment at the Blaise Diagne International Airport (AIBD) and the Dakar Regional Air Navigation Center (CRNA). This initiative focuses on upgrading communication, navigation, and surveillance systems to meet international benchmarks. The ministry states these efforts are part of the national Agenda for Transformation, aimed at enhancing territorial connectivity and the competitiveness of the national economy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary benefit for Ziguinchor and Saint-Louis airports?
Both airports will now benefit from ASECNA’s programs for navigation services, technical equipment, and operational expertise, which are aimed at increasing safety and performance.
How will the status of the Saint-Louis airport change?
Previously classified as a non-controlled aerodrome, Saint-Louis will now operate as a controlled aerodrome with access to comprehensive navigation services.
What is the objective of the emergency plan for the AIBD and the CRNA?
The plan aims to modernize communication, navigation, and surveillance infrastructure at these sites to align them with international standards and handle evolving air traffic demands.
How might these infrastructure upgrades impact the frequency of air travel within the Casamance region?
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