Senegal’s Blaise Diagne International Airport has launched a major cargo hub expansion as of July 28, 2025, setting the stage for Dakar to become a leading logistics and aviation center in West Africa. This move is part of a larger plan to boost trade, improve transportation, and create new opportunities for people and businesses in Senegal and the wider region.
A New Era for Blaise Diagne International Airport
The cargo hub expansion at Blaise Diagne International Airport is a key part of Senegal’s Air Hub Strategic Plan. The airport, located near Dakar, is already a busy gateway for travelers and goods. Now, with the new project, it aims to double its cargo handling capacity and become a top choice for companies moving goods across Africa, Europe, and the Americas.
The airport’s management announced that construction of a new, modern freight terminal will start in 2026. This terminal will be able to handle up to 80,000 tonnes of cargo each year, a big jump from the current capacity. Operations are set to begin in 2028, giving Senegal a few years to prepare for this major change.
Why This Expansion Matters
The expansion is not just about building a bigger terminal. It’s about making Senegal a key player in global trade. Right now, Blaise Diagne International Airport handles about 39,922 tonnes of freight each year. The current cargo terminal, which covers 12,800 square meters, can handle up to 50,000 tonnes. The new terminal will push this number up to 80,000 tonnes, helping the airport keep up with growing demand.
This project is backed by strong financial support. In 2024, Senegal secured €300 million (about $326.2 million) to fund the expansion. This money will not only pay for the new cargo terminal but also help increase the airport’s passenger capacity by 40%. The goal is to handle up to 10 million passengers and 80,000 tonnes of cargo each year by 2035.
Voices Behind the Project
Several key people have spoken about the importance of the cargo hub expansion. Askin Demir, CEO of Blaise Diagne International Airport, said the new terminal will help connect Senegal to regional and global markets, especially for goods that need special care, like fresh food and medicine. “This project is a game-changer for Senegal and for West Africa,” Demir explained. “It will open new doors for trade and make it easier for businesses to reach customers around the world.”
Aliou Diouf, Project Manager Officer at AIBD SA (the company that manages the airport), shared details about the terminal’s design. He said it will include modern warehouses and storage areas to meet the needs of today’s fast-moving supply chains.
Youri Harel, Team Leader at MCB (one of the main financial partners), highlighted the importance of the funding deal. “This investment fuels Senegal’s ambition to become a leading air traffic hub in West Africa,” Harel said.
Mouhamed Mansour Sy, Director of Air Transport and Regulation at ANACIM (Senegal’s aviation authority), addressed concerns from freight operators about high costs and slow processing times. He promised that the government will keep talking with all stakeholders to solve these problems.
How the Expansion Will Change Trade and Travel
The cargo hub expansion at Blaise Diagne International Airport is expected to have a big impact on trade, jobs, and the economy. Here’s how:
- Better Regional Connections: The project is linked to improvements in Senegal’s road network and the new deep-water port at Ndayane. This will make it easier for landlocked countries like Mali, Gambia, and Guinea to move goods through Senegal.
- Special Facilities for Sensitive Goods: The new terminal will have special areas for perishable items (like fruits, vegetables, and fish) and pharmaceutical products (like vaccines and medicines). This will help Senegal become a key link in global supply chains for these important goods.
- Faster and Cheaper Operations: Many freight operators have complained about high costs and slow cargo processing at the airport. The new terminal is designed to fix these problems by reducing bottlenecks and attracting more airlines and logistics companies.
- Sustainable Growth: The airport is committed to running its operations in a way that protects the environment. The goal is to become the “greenest airport in Africa,” in line with Senegal’s national plans to cut carbon emissions.
Step-by-Step Timeline for the Cargo Hub Expansion
The cargo hub expansion is a long-term project with several key steps:
Senegal secures funding and starts planning the project.
Air Freight Committee at ANACIM holds a meeting to discuss project details.
Construction of the new cargo terminal begins.
The new terminal is expected to open and start operations.
The airport aims to handle up to 10 million passengers and 80,000 tonnes of cargo each year.
- 2024: Senegal secures funding and starts planning the project. Stakeholder consultations begin to make sure everyone’s voice is heard.
- February 2025: The Air Freight Committee at ANACIM holds a meeting to discuss project details and challenges facing the sector.
- 2026: Construction of the new cargo terminal begins.
- 2028: The new terminal is expected to open and start operations.
- By 2035: The airport aims to be fully integrated into Senegal’s logistics and aviation system, handling up to 10 million passengers and 80,000 tonnes of cargo each year.
Boosting Connectivity and Attracting New Airlines
The airport’s location and new infrastructure will make it even more attractive to airlines and logistics companies. The completion of the Train Express Régional (TER) Phase II by late 2025 will link the airport directly to Dakar and Diamniadio, making it easier for people and goods to move quickly between the city and the airport.
Blaise Diagne International Airport is also in talks with major airlines, including United Airlines (for a Washington D.C. route) and Air Canada (for a Dakar route). Discussions with low-cost European carriers are ongoing, which could help boost tourism and trade even further.
Challenges and Concerns from Stakeholders
While the cargo hub expansion brings many benefits, there are also challenges to address. Freight operators, especially those in the Union of Freight Actors (UAF), have raised concerns about high operational costs and slow cargo processing. These issues have made it harder for some businesses to compete.
Economic ups and downs and the need for ongoing investment are also challenges. The airport and government must keep working to attract new funding and make sure the project stays on track.
Another important issue is making sure the expansion fits with the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM). This is a plan to make air travel across Africa easier and cheaper by removing barriers between countries. Aligning with SAATM will help Senegal get the most out of its investment in the airport.
Looking Ahead: What the Future Holds
The successful completion of the cargo terminal is expected to attract even more investment in Senegal’s logistics sector. This could lead to more jobs, better services, and stronger economic growth for the country and the region.
Senegal’s leaders see the project as a way to become a top logistics and aviation hub in West Africa. The focus is on making supply chains work better and helping local businesses compete in global markets.
Authorities have promised to keep talking with industry stakeholders to make sure the project meets everyone’s needs. This ongoing dialogue is key to solving problems and making sure the benefits of the expansion are shared widely.
Expert Analysis and Industry Recognition
International experts have praised the cargo hub expansion at Blaise Diagne International Airport. International Airport Review and LogisT Africa have both highlighted the project’s role in regional integration, economic development, and modernizing supply chains.
Financial partners like MCB Group and Standard Chartered Bank say that large-scale infrastructure investments like this are essential for unlocking Africa’s economic potential. They point out that better airports and logistics systems make it easier for businesses to grow and for countries to trade with each other.
The airport has also received recognition from Airports Council International (ACI) as the Best Airport in Africa for airports handling 2–5 million passengers. This award shows that Blaise Diagne International Airport is already seen as a leader in the region.
What This Means for Local Communities and Businesses
For people living in Senegal and nearby countries, the cargo hub expansion brings hope for new jobs and better services. As the airport grows, it will need more workers in areas like cargo handling, security, maintenance, and customer service. Local businesses will also benefit from faster and cheaper ways to move their goods.
Farmers and producers of perishable goods, like fruits, vegetables, and fish, will have better access to international markets. This means they can sell their products to more customers and earn higher incomes. The same goes for companies that make or distribute medicines and vaccines.
For travelers, the expansion could mean more flight options and better connections to other countries. As more airlines start flying to and from Dakar, it will become easier for people to visit family, do business, or explore new places.
Practical Steps for Stakeholders
If you are a business owner, freight operator, or investor interested in the cargo hub expansion, here are some steps you can take:
- Stay Informed: Visit the official Blaise Diagne International Airport website for updates on the project, contact information, and details about upcoming opportunities.
- Engage with Authorities: Reach out to AIBD SA or ANACIM to share your views, ask questions, or get involved in stakeholder meetings.
- Plan for Growth: If you run a logistics or transportation business, start thinking about how the new terminal could help you expand your services or reach new markets.
- Look for Partnerships: The expansion will create new opportunities for partnerships between local and international companies. Explore ways to work together and benefit from the airport’s growth.
Senegal’s Commitment to Sustainability
One of the standout features of the cargo hub expansion is its focus on sustainability. The airport’s management has promised to run operations in a way that protects the environment and supports Senegal’s national carbon reduction goals. This includes using energy-efficient technologies, reducing waste, and promoting green practices throughout the airport.
By aiming to become the “greenest airport in Africa,” Blaise Diagne International Airport is setting an example for other airports in the region. This commitment to sustainability will help attract environmentally conscious investors and partners.
Conclusion: A Bright Future for Senegal and West Africa
The cargo hub expansion at Blaise Diagne International Airport marks a turning point for Senegal and the wider region. With strong financial backing, modern infrastructure, and a clear vision for the future, the airport is well on its way to becoming a leading logistics and aviation center.
As reported by VisaVerge.com, the project has broad support from government, financial institutions, and industry stakeholders. While challenges remain, ongoing dialogue and a focus on practical solutions will help ensure the project’s success.
For more information about Senegal’s aviation policies and the latest updates on the cargo hub expansion, you can visit the official government portal for civil aviation. This site provides authoritative information for travelers, businesses, and anyone interested in the future of air transport in Senegal.
With construction set to begin in 2026 and operations launching in 2028, the future looks bright for Blaise Diagne International Airport, local communities, and the entire West African region. The cargo hub expansion is more than just a building project—it’s a symbol of Senegal’s ambition, resilience, and commitment to connecting people and markets across the globe.
Learn Today
Cargo Hub Expansion → Increase of airport facilities to handle more freight efficiently, boosting trade capacity and logistics.
Air Freight Committee → Group overseeing the regulation and development of air cargo operations in Senegal.
Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM) → Initiative to integrate and liberalize air transport services across African countries.
Deep-water port → A port designed to accommodate large ships with deep drafts facilitating international trade.
Train Express Régional (TER) → Regional train service connecting Dakar to key locations including Blaise Diagne Airport.
This Article in a Nutshell
Senegal’s Blaise Diagne International Airport launches a major cargo hub expansion to double capacity and become West Africa’s key logistics center by 2028, supported by a €300 million investment and sustainable operations, enhancing trade and connectivity across Africa, Europe, and the Americas.
— By VisaVerge.com
