Entire Air Sénégal crew grounded on Dakar-Paris route following allegations

Air Sénégal has suspended all flight crew members operating the Dakar-Paris route following serious internal allegations. The decision came into effect on September 17, as confirmed by company sources, pending a full internal investigation to determine individual responsibilities.

The move follows accusations that certain crew members had engaged in paid cargo transport, colloquially known as ‘GP’—a practice strictly prohibited by the airline and often linked to illicit goods smuggling. While the airline has yet to disclose details about the packages involved, the incident has triggered urgent operational changes.

External crew steps in to maintain Dakar-Paris service

The abrupt crew suspension has forced Air Sénégal to contract Georgian private carrier MyWay to operate the Dakar-Paris route. A MyWay aircraft with its own licensed crew now handles the daily flight, ensuring minimal disruption to passenger travel despite continuing operational and financial strain.

This temporary arrangement underscores growing challenges for Air Sénégal, which has faced repeated criticism over service quality and financial instability. Earlier this year, several of the airline’s own aircraft were impounded abroad due to unpaid debts, further crippling its operational capacity.

What happens next? Timeline and investigation details

The suspended crew remains on administrative leave as the investigation proceeds internally. While no official timeline has been released, airline management has signaled a swift conclusion to the inquiry once all testimonies and evidence are reviewed.

Pending the results, Air Sénégal has pledged to reinforce cargo monitoring and reinforce crew training to prevent future violations of its strict anti-smuggling and secondary employment policies.

Impact on passengers and operational stability

Travelers booked on the Dakar-Paris route continue to be accommodated, with MyWay-operated flights maintaining regular schedules. Passengers have reported no significant delays, though some express concern over the airline’s long-term reliability given its current financial and reputational pressures.

The grounding reflects broader governance and compliance challenges within Air Sénégal as it seeks to restore passenger trust and operational integrity amid ongoing financial pressures and regulatory scrutiny.

By Anne Nkeng — Société et culture