Air Sénégal, the national carrier of Senegal, is currently under international investigation over allegations of irregular goods transport involving some of its cabin crew members. As a precautionary measure, all Senegalese flight attendants assigned to the Dakar-Paris-Dakar route have been removed from the service since September 17, 2026. The investigation, led by Interpol, aims to uncover the extent of the alleged irregularities and identify those involved.
According to reports from L'Observateur and Senego, the investigation focuses on the transportation of packages for payment, outside of the procedures prescribed for cabin crew. The goods allegedly transported include oversized luggage, various packages, and automobile parts, such as bumpers. Investigators are working to determine the individuals involved, the circuit used for transporting the goods, and whether there is a structured organization behind these operations.
One incident that drew the attention of investigators involved a package presented as a pot of milk. A flight attendant, who was solicited at the Paris departure, reportedly decided to open the package as a precaution. She discovered a suspicious substance, later identified as a hard drug, and provided investigators with the phone number of the person who handed her the package. However, the person has since become unreachable.
In the meantime, flights on the affected route are being operated by MyWay, a private Georgian airline, under an ACMI contract with Air Sénégal. The airline has stated that the removal of the cabin crew does not constitute a definitive sanction at this stage, as individual responsibilities have yet to be established. The incident recalls a previous case where 13 cabin crew members were implicated in transporting suitcases from New York, resulting in temporary restrictions on their flights.
The management of Air Sénégal has indicated that they will wait for the results of the investigations before determining any potential sanctions. The case is currently at the investigation stage, with no further comments provided. This incident raises concerns about the security and integrity of air transport services.
The investigation has significant implications for Air Sénégal, which has a reputation to uphold as a national carrier. The airline's management must take swift and decisive action to address the allegations and prevent similar incidents in the future. The incident may also lead to a review of security protocols and procedures for cabin crew members.
As the investigation continues, Air Sénégal's passengers and stakeholders will be watching closely for updates on the situation. The airline's response to the allegations and its commitment to transparency and accountability will be crucial in maintaining public trust. The outcome of the investigation will likely have far-reaching consequences for the airline and the aviation industry as a whole.
Key points
- Air Sénégal's cabin crew on the Dakar-Paris route have been temporarily removed amid an international investigation into allegations of irregular goods transport.
- The investigation, led by Interpol, aims to uncover the extent of the alleged irregularities and identify those involved.
- The incident recalls a previous case where 13 cabin crew members were implicated in transporting suitcases from New York, resulting in temporary restrictions on their flights.
