Air Sénégal’s Turnaround Endangered by CEO’s Conflicting Interests, Says ‘Enquête’
In the aftermath of taking over Air Sénégal in August 2024, El Hadji Tidiane Ndiaye has been battling to revive the flagging national airline. Confronted with substantial financial losses and persistent delays that dampened customer satisfaction, the newly appointed CEO embarked on an ambitious reform program. This included reducing the workforce through unrenewed contracts and restructuring routes, with the cessation of European destinations outside of France. However, just as recovery seemed on the horizon, allegations of conflict of interest have thrown a spanner in the works.
The weekly newspaper Enquête, in its January 8 edition, exposed close links between El Hadji Tidiane Ndiaye and Iris, a private company he heads. Iris represents several rival airlines in Senegal, including Air Ivoire, a major player in intra-African connections. An insider at Blaise-Diagne International Airport (AIBD) expressed concern: "It’s a clear conflict of interest. Air Ivoire and Air Sénégal operate on similar routes, targeting the same customers. This raises serious questions."
Moreover, ties to Flynas, a Saudi low-cost carrier also represented by Iris, have fueled skepticism. Flynas regularly transports Senegalese pilgrims for the Hajj. However, this year, the government awarded Air Sénégal the exclusive right to this market, valued at between 12 and 14 billion CFA francs.
Despite the exclusivity granted to Air Sénégal, negotiations for leasing Flynas aircraft are reportedly underway. If these proceed, they could indirectly benefit Iris. A source commented: "The choice of Flynas as a partner seems set, calling into question the DG’s independence."
Criticism has intensified further given that Air Sénégal has two Airbus A330 aircraft, well-suited for the task, currently in maintenance. These existing resources could have been deployed to handle the transportation without external leasing.
As Enquête continues to investigate, all eyes are on Air Sénégal’s leadership to ensure transparency and the best interests of the national airline.
