Emirates celebrates 15 years of connecting Dakar to the world
Over 890,000 passengers flown as Dubai-based carrier marks Senegal milestone
DUBAI/DAKAR – Emirates, the world’s largest international airline, is celebrating 15 years of operations to Dakar, Senegal.
Since launching its first service in 2010, the carrier has transported more than 890,290 passengers and positioned itself as a vital bridge for travel and trade between Senegal and global markets through Dubai.
When the airline inaugurated its Dakar route in 2010 with an Airbus A340-300, operating five weekly flights, it was the first scheduled air connection between Senegal and the United Arab Emirates. The link not only opened access to the Middle East but also facilitated smoother journeys to China, India and other Asian destinations. For traders and the business community, the route became an important artery, while pilgrims travelling to Saudi Arabia for Hajj and Umrah found a faster and more convenient journey.
Route expansion
In 2016, Emirates upgraded the service to a Boeing 777-300ER, expanding seat capacity and increasing cargo space to meet growing demand. Since then, the airline has completed 6,065 flights in and out of Dakar. Major inbound passenger flows have originated from cities such as Guangzhou, Shanghai and Beijing in China, as well as Delhi, Chennai and Mumbai in India, alongside travellers from South Africa and Saudi Arabia. Outbound passengers from Senegal have largely travelled to China, India, Indonesia, the Philippines and Thailand.
Arpit Behl, Country Manager for Senegal at Emirates, said: “Celebrating 15 years of connecting to Senegal reflects the strong ties we have built with our customers and partners, and our longstanding investment in this important market. Since our very first flight, we have delivered on our promise to enhance connectivity with the globe and provide travellers with a world-class inflight experience.”
Local opportunities
Emirates has also provided career paths for Senegalese nationals within the Emirates Group. The airline employs more than 50 Senegalese across roles ranging from cabin crew and pilots to sales agents and ground support. Emirates A380 Captain Oumar Ba, who has flown with the airline for nearly a decade, said: “As a proud Senegalese national, and Airbus A380 Captain for the world’s largest international airline, it’s a pleasure to see Emirates celebrating 15 years of operations to Dakar. One day, I hope to have the honour of flying the iconic Emirates A380 into Senegal.”
The Senegalese concept of “Teraanga,” representing hospitality and generosity, has also found its way into Emirates’ multicultural cabin crew, enhancing the airline’s reputation for service excellence.
Cargo impact
Emirates SkyCargo has played a central role in facilitating trade between Senegal and international markets. Over the past five years, more than 18,200 tonnes of goods have been moved through Dakar. In addition to the cargo space on passenger flights, Emirates operates a dedicated weekly Boeing 777 freighter to boost freight capacity.
Seafood is among the most sought-after exports uplifted from Senegal, including grouper, seabream, and red mullet, with lobsters shipped to East Asia. Seasonal produce such as beans, melons and mangoes are exported mainly to Europe and the UAE. Imports into Senegal typically include electronics, textiles, garments and pharmaceuticals, particularly vaccines, with goods sourced largely from the UAE, Hong Kong and India.