• Senegal, Canada finalize plans for Dakar-Montreal flights

• Air Transat to operate twice weekly from June

• Route expected to boost diaspora travel, trade links

A technical meeting was held on Monday, Feb. 23, between the civil aviation authorities of Senegal and Canada to finalize regulatory and operational arrangements for the launch of direct flights between Dakar and Montreal. Quebec-based Air Transat plans to operate the service from June 17 to Oct. 21, 2026.

The route, announced in November 2025, follows the strengthening of bilateral air transport cooperation in March, when both countries authorized their airlines to operate direct flights to any destination within each other’s territory.

Senegal’s National Civil Aviation and Meteorology Agency (ANACIM) said the meeting was key to ensuring that safety, airport and air navigation arrangements for the route meet international standards.

Air Transat will operate the service twice weekly, on Wednesdays and Saturdays. The bilateral framework allows for up to 14 passenger and 10 all-cargo flights per week, with additional flexibility provisions, particularly for freight operations.

Beyond improving connectivity during the operating period, notably for the Senegalese diaspora, the route is expected to support trade, especially high-value and perishable exports. It could also facilitate travel ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be held in the United States and Canada.

In recent years, Canadian airlines have expanded their presence on African routes, particularly in Morocco. Air Transat launched service between Montreal and Marrakech, while Air Canada increased frequencies between Montreal and Casablanca.

Henoc Dossa