Senegal and Canada have completed the final regulatory arrangements for direct flights between Dakar and Montreal, paving the way for a new transatlantic route expected to strengthen travel and trade links, authorities said Tuesday.
A technical meeting was held on Monday between the civil aviation authorities of Senegal and Canada to finalise operational and safety procedures for the service, which Quebec-based Air Transat will operate twice weekly from June 17 to October 21, 2026.
The Dakar-Montreal connection, announced in November 2025, follows a bilateral air transport agreement reached in March that authorises airlines from both countries to operate direct flights to any destination within the partner territory. The framework allows up to 14 passenger and 10 all-cargo flights per week, with flexibility for additional freight services.
“The meeting ensured that safety, airport and air navigation arrangements meet international standards,” said Senegal’s National Civil Aviation and Meteorology Agency (ANACIM).
Air Transat will operate flights on Wednesdays and Saturdays, providing regular connectivity for the Senegalese diaspora in Canada. The route is also expected to boost trade, particularly for high-value and perishable exports, and to facilitate travel ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States and Canada.
Canadian carriers have recently expanded their footprint in Africa, particularly in North Africa. Air Transat launched a Montreal-Marrakech service, while Air Canada increased frequencies between Montreal and Casablanca, reflecting growing commercial ties with the continent.
Officials said the new route is part of a broader strategy to improve air transport links between West Africa and North America, enhancing tourism, business travel and cargo movement.
The launch marks a milestone in Senegal’s efforts to position Dakar as a regional aviation hub and is expected to stimulate economic activity around Blaise Diagne International Airport, located about 50 kilometres from the capital.
Passengers and freight operators are now awaiting the first flights, which will operate under full compliance with international aviation and safety standards, offering seamless connections for both leisure and business travellers.
Senegal and Canada have been progressively strengthening bilateral air transport ties, culminating in the authorization of direct flights between their territories. The latest technical meeting on February 23, 2026, between the respective civil aviation authorities finalised the operational, safety, and airport arrangements for the route.
The service will be operated by the Quebec-based Air Transat from June 17 to October 21, 2026, with twice-weekly flights on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Under the bilateral framework, up to fourteen passenger and ten all-cargo flights per week are permitted, with flexibility for additional freight operations.
The Dakar-Montreal connection follows a March 2025 agreement granting airlines from both countries the right to operate direct flights to any destination within each other’s territory. The route aims to improve connectivity for the Senegalese diaspora in Canada, support trade particularly high-value and perishable goods and facilitate travel ahead of major international events such as the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
This initiative is part of Senegal’s strategy to enhance Blaise Diagne International Airport as a regional aviation hub, strengthen tourism and business travel, and expand economic activity through improved cargo and passenger flows. Canadian airlines, including Air Transat and Air Canada, have been actively expanding their African presence, particularly on routes to Morocco, reflecting growing commercial engagement with the continent.
The new route represents a milestone in aviation cooperation, combining regulatory alignment, operational readiness, and commercial expansion, while adhering to international safety and navigation standards.
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