Air Sénégal Suspends Senegalese Cabin Crew on Dakar–Paris Route Amid Allegations of Paid Parcel Transport

Dakar, Senegal – Air Sénégal has provisionally suspended its Senegalese commercial aircrew (cabin crew) assigned to the Dakar–Paris route. The measure, effective since September 17, 2026, follows suspicions that some crew members were engaged in the paid transport of parcels for private individuals or merchants.

Allegations of "GP" Practices

According to multiple Senegalese press sources, certain crew members allegedly transported parcels for a fee, a practice commonly referred to locally as "GP" (Gestion de Paquets or parcel management). Reports indicate that fees charged for this service reached up to €15 per kilogram, equivalent to approximately 10,000 CFA francs. This practice is reportedly in violation of the standard operating procedures applicable to Air Sénégal’s commercial aircrew.

Provisional Measure, Not Final Sanction

Air Sénégal has clarified that the suspension is a conservatory measure intended to preserve the integrity of its operations, rather than a final disciplinary sanction. The airline is currently conducting an internal investigation to determine the individual responsibilities of the personnel involved.

At this stage, it has not been established that all suspended crew members personally participated in these practices. The allegations remain under verification.

Operational Continuity via MyWay Airlines

To ensure the continuity of the Dakar–Paris service, Air Sénégal is temporarily relying on cabin crew from MyWay Airlines under an ACMI (Aircraft, Crew, Maintenance, and Insurance) agreement. This type of contract allows an airline to lease an aircraft along with its crew, maintenance, and insurance from another operator.

This arrangement is not entirely new for Air Sénégal. The airline has already been utilizing a Boeing 777-200ER operated by the Georgian carrier MyWay Airlines on the Dakar–Paris route since January 2026.

Precedent on the Dakar–New York Route

This incident echoes a previous case reported on the Dakar–New York route, where Air Sénégal was reportedly confronted with similar practices related to cargo transport. Senegalese sources indicate that an investigation into such activities was conducted in 2023.

Dual Challenge for Air Sénégal

Air Sénégal now faces a dual challenge:

1. Accountability: Determining individual responsibilities through its ongoing internal investigation.
2. Operational Continuity: Maintaining seamless service on one of its key international hubs.

As of now, the airline has not issued an official detailed communication specifying the exact facts alleged against the suspended crew members, according to the sources consulted.