Senegal's Minister of Tourism, Mame Mbaye Niang, has accused Air France and Royal Air Maroc of 'pillaging' Senegal's air traffic, claiming their dominance under bilateral air service agreements stifles local carriers. In a statement reported by Senegalese media on April 23, 2026, Niang said these airlines operate a combined 28 weekly flights between Paris and Dakar, compared to just 7 by Senegal Airlines.
The minister argued that the current agreements, renegotiated in 2023, give disproportionate access to foreign carriers, undermining the development of a competitive national aviation sector. He called for a review of the accords to ensure 'fair and equitable' distribution of traffic rights, citing similar concerns raised by other African nations.
Air France and Royal Air Maroc have not yet responded to the allegations. The dispute highlights broader tensions in West Africa over air transport liberalization, where larger foreign airlines often dominate lucrative routes to the detriment of smaller local operators.
