SENEGAL AIRPORT DRAWS INSPIRATION FROM MIA

BY AIBD SA

 

Miami International Airport’s (MIA) strategic position as the leading U.S. airport for international freight and the second-largest gateway for international passengers makes it an ideal hub for trade and travel between Africa and the Americas. This unique role has made Miami a model for Senegal, which is focused on upgrading its own airport infrastructure. Blaise Diagne International Airport (AIBD SA), central to Senegal’s regional air hub strategy, is expanding its initiatives and partnerships, drawing valuable inspiration from Miami’s success in linking the Americas with global markets.

To advance its mission, AIBD SA organized a visit to Miami International Airport during the 2023 US-Africa Trade and Investment Conference. This visit provided an opportunity to outline a common vision and explore potential areas of collaboration with the Miami-Dade Aviation Department. The meeting focused on freight development and cargo operations. Senegal plans to construct a new terminal dedicated to freight at AIBD SA, complementing the existing infrastructure that has already produced satisfactory results.

Also, the possibility of establishing a direct flight between Dakar and Miami was discussed. This transatlantic route could benefit from Senegal’s geostrategic position as a gateway to West Africa, thus strengthening the connection between Africa and the rest of the world.

Developing economic activities around this direct flight route is also a key consideration. The Senegalese airport management team gained exposure to MIA’s operations, enabling a fruitful exchange of knowledge and best practices. This partnership could pave the way for the introduction of incentive programs aimed at attracting more airlines, thereby enhancing the overall appeal of Senegal’s airports.

The delegation presented fifteen flagship projects to strengthen Senegal’s position as a regional air hub. These projects aim to expand the passenger terminal at Diass Airport to increase its capacity, construct a Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) center, and establish the International Academy of Civil Aviation Professions (AIMAC) equipped with modern training facilities for future aviation professionals. Furthermore, the initiatives include modernizing regional airports to support the exploitation of oil & gas, and agricultural resources, as well as developing an aerocity focused on non-aeronautical activities around the airports.