On Monday, September 28, 2026, Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye will officially inaugurate the Train Express Regional (TER) link between Diamniadio and the Blaise Diagne International Airport (AIBD). This 19km section marks the completion of a long-standing promise and opens up new possibilities for the future of the regional rail network. The TER has been in operation since December 27, 2021, five years after the project was launched.
The new TER link will enter service on the same day as the inauguration, according to information from SenePlus. This development is expected to greatly improve access to the airport, which is located about 50km from the city center. Until now, the airport was mainly accessible by road, often resulting in congested traffic. The rail link is expected to benefit not only travelers but also the thousands of employees who work at the airport daily.
The inauguration of the TER link to AIBD is seen as a significant milestone in the development of Senegal's transportation infrastructure. According to Le Soleil, the event could also serve as a platform for announcements on the future of the regional rail network, including a potential extension to Mbour. This extension is currently under study, but details on its financing and implementation have not been disclosed.
Despite the enthusiasm surrounding the inauguration, concerns remain about the financial sustainability of the TER project. Since its launch, the project has sparked debates about the gap between projected passenger numbers and actual ridership. The flow of passengers to the airport, which is inherently less regular than daily commuter traffic, may require adjustments to the economic model.
The TER project has been a significant undertaking for Senegal, with the goal of improving transportation links in the Dakar region. The first phase of the project, which connects Dakar to Diamniadio, has been in operation since 2021. The extension to AIBD is expected to further enhance the network's efficiency and accessibility.
As the TER link to AIBD begins operations, attention turns to the future of the project. The potential extension to Mbour will require significant investment and careful planning. Questions about financing, governance, and the project's overall economic viability will need to be addressed.
The successful implementation of the TER project could have a positive impact on Senegal's economy and transportation infrastructure. As the country continues to develop its rail network, it is essential to address the challenges and concerns surrounding the project's financial sustainability.
Key points
- President Bassirou Diomaye Faye to inaugurate 19km TER train link between Diamniadio and Blaise Diagne International Airport
- TER train link expected to improve access to airport and benefit travelers and employees
- Future extension to Mbour under study, with financing and implementation details yet to be disclosed
