Since his arrival at the head of Air Senegal in August 2024, El Hadji Tidiane Ndiaye has been striving to turn around a company in difficulty. Faced with significant financial losses and recurring delays affecting customer satisfaction, the new general director has initiated ambitious reforms. Among them, a reduction in staff numbers, obtained by the non-renewal of certain contracts, and a reorganization of lines with the abandonment of European services outside France. However, while a recovery seemed to be underway, suspicions of a conflict of interest shake this dynamic.
The newspaper Investigationin its January 8 edition, reveals close links between El Hadji Tidiane Ndiaye and Iris, a private company that he directs. Iris represents several airlines competing with Air Senegal in Senegal, notably Air Ivoire, a major player on intra-African routes. A manager close to Blaise-Diagne international airport (AIBD) is concerned: “It is a clear conflict of interest since Air Ivoire and Air Sénégal operate on similar routes, targeting the same customers. This poses a real problem. »
In addition, connections with Flynas, a Saudi low-cost airline also represented by Iris, fuel doubts. Flynas regularly transports Senegalese pilgrims for the Hajj. This year, however, the government decided to reserve the exclusivity of this market, valued at between 12 and 14 billion CFA francs, for Air Senegal.
Despite the exclusivity granted to Air Senegal for the transport of pilgrims, negotiations are reportedly underway to rent aircraft from Flynas. According to information from Investigationthis decision, if confirmed, could indirectly favor the interests of Iris. A source states: “The choice of Flynas as a partner seems already made, which questions the independence of the CEO’s decisions. »
The criticisms are reinforced all the more as Air Senegal has two Airbus A330s, well suited to this mission, currently under maintenance. These devices could have been mobilized to provide transport without resorting to external rental.
