Dakar Airports Guide: Terminals, Transport, and Essential Information

Dakar, the vibrant capital of Senegal and a major West African hub, is primarily served by one international airport. However, a new, world-class facility has recently opened, transforming air travel to the region. This guide explains every airport serving Dakar, including IATA codes, terminal layouts, and clear, plain-English explanations of how to get to and from each one.

Blaise Diagne International Airport (DSS)

Overview: This is Dakar’s new primary international airport. Opened in 2017 and named after Senegal’s first black mayor, it is located approximately 47 km (29 miles) east of downtown Dakar, near the new city of Diamniadio. It has replaced Léopold Sédar Senghor International Airport as the main hub for all commercial flights.

Terminals:

• Single, Modern Terminal: A state-of-the-art facility with a single, spacious terminal building divided into separate areas for arrivals and departures. It handles all international and domestic scheduled flights for airlines such as Air Senegal, Air France, Turkish Airlines, and others.

Getting to and from DSS:

• Taxi (Official Airport Taxis):
  The most common option. Official taxis operate on a fixed-fare system to various zones (e.g., Dakar Centre, Almadies). Fares are displayed at the taxi rank outside arrivals. Confirm the price before departing.
• Ride-hailing (Heetch, etc.):
  Apps like Heetch (popular in Francophone Africa) operate in Dakar. The pick-up point may be in the parking area. Data connectivity is required.
• Car Rental:
  Major international and local rental companies have desks in the arrivals hall.
• Private Transfer / Hotel Shuttle:
  Many hotels offer airport pick-up services, which must be arranged in advance.
• Public Transport (Coming Soon):
  A planned express train (Train Express Régional, TER) will connect the airport to Dakar’s city centre. As of early 2024, check the latest status, as its opening to the public has been delayed.

Note: The journey by road to central Dakar can take 45-90 minutes depending on traffic, especially during rush hours.

Best for: All international travellers and domestic flights. This is now the main airport for all commercial airlines serving Dakar.

Léopold Sédar Senghor International Airport (DKR)

Overview: This was Dakar’s historic international airport, located just 11 km (7 miles) from the city centre. As of December 2024, it is closed to all scheduled commercial passenger traffic. It has been fully replaced by Blaise Diagne Airport (DSS). It now serves only military, VIP, cargo, and some humanitarian flights.

Terminals:

• Status: Terminals are not in public use for passenger travel. Do not plan to travel to or from this airport.

Getting to and from DKR:

• Not applicable for commercial passengers.

Best for: Historical reference only. Critical: When booking flights to Dakar, ensure your ticket lists DSS as the arrival/departure airport, not DKR.

Which Dakar Airport Should You Choose?

There is no choice for airline passengers: all scheduled flights now operate exclusively through Blaise Diagne International Airport (DSS). It is imperative to verify your ticket and itinerary to confirm you are flying into DSS. The old airport (DKR) is no longer an option for commercial travel.

Essential Information for Blaise Diagne Airport (DSS)

Before You Go:

• Visa: Check Senegal’s visa requirements for your nationality. Many nationalities can obtain a visa on arrival, but conditions can change. Having documentation ready is advised.
• Check-in: Arrive at least 3 hours before international flights and 2 hours before domestic flights.
• Currency: The local currency is the West African CFA franc (XOF). There are ATMs and currency exchange bureaus in the arrivals hall. It’s wise to have some local currency for initial transport costs.
• Language: French is the official language. English is not widely spoken by taxi drivers or airport staff; having key phrases or a translation app can be helpful.

Upon Arrival at DSS:

• Immigration: Have your passport, completed arrival form, and proof of onward travel or accommodation ready.
• Yellow Fever Vaccination: A Yellow Fever vaccination certificate is required for travellers arriving from countries with risk of transmission. You may be asked to present it.
• Ground Transport: Follow signs to the official taxi rank. Avoid unofficial touts inside the terminal offering transport. Agree on the fixed fare at the taxi desk or with the driver before leaving.

Departing from DSS:

• Allow Extra Travel Time: Due to the distance from the city, leave your accommodation with plenty of buffer for the potentially long road journey.
• Airport Tax: An airport departure tax is usually included in the price of your airline ticket.
• Facilities: The terminal has restaurants, shops, and free WiFi.

Airport Transfers & Regional Connections

Connecting to other West African cities:
DSS serves as a major regional hub for Air Senegal and other carriers, with excellent connections across West Africa (e.g., Abidjan, Bamako, Conakry) and to European capitals.

Domestic flights within Senegal:
Air Senegal operates domestic flights from DSS to key tourist destinations like Ziguinchor (in the Casamance region) and Cap Skirring.

Important Travel Tip – Naming Confusion:
Be aware that some older online resources, maps, or even individuals may still refer to the old “Dakar Airport” (DKR). Always use the airport code “DSS” when booking, searching, and providing information to drivers. Showing a driver the full name “Blaise Diagne” or the code “DSS” is more reliable than just saying “Dakar airport.”

Bottom line: Dakar’s air travel now centres entirely on the modern Blaise Diagne International Airport (DSS). While it is farther from the city, it offers a much-improved passenger experience. Plan your ground transport in advance, allow significant time for the road journey, and double-check all your travel documents list DSS as your airport.