Air Sénégal suspends cabin crew on Dakar-Paris route amid parcel trafficking scandal and Interpol investigation

A parcel trafficking scandal has rocked Air Sénégal. Since September 17, 2026, all cabin crew assigned to the Dakar-Paris route have been suspended pending an internal investigation into allegations of paid goods transport, locally known as « GP » or « Gratuité partielle ».

The probe focuses on parcels transported on this route to and from France, allegedly for private individuals, merchants, or a French-based entity. The airline has not disclosed specifics about the suspected goods, stating that details are still under review. Suspended personnel are presumed innocent until proven otherwise.

According to several Senegalese media outlets, Interpol is also involved in the case, though neither the organization nor Air Sénégal has issued an official statement. Reports mention the seizure of automotive bumpers, oversized luggage, and miscellaneous packages. One case allegedly involved a container disguised as a milk carton, said to contain a substance described as a « hard drug ». These claims, presented as unverified, should be distinguished from confirmed facts in the company’s internal investigation.

Route maintained via ACMI charter

Despite the suspension, Air Sénégal has kept the Dakar-Paris service operational by signing an ACMI charter with Georgian carrier MyWay Airlines. A Boeing 777-200ER operated by MyWay’s Georgian crew now handles the route, ensuring continuity of service during the investigation and suspension period.

The airline has not specified how long the suspension will last or the exact number of crew members involved. Senegalese airport authorities and France’s Direction générale de l’aviation civile have been notified. No disruptions have been reported on MyWay-operated flights, which are conducted under standard international service levels.

Precedent in 2025 on New York route

This is not Air Sénégal’s first encounter with parcel trafficking allegations involving cabin crew. In 2025, thirteen flight attendants and stewards were implicated in a similar case on the New York-Senegal route. According to SeneNews, they were removed from service for a year before being reinstated. The incident highlighted risks tied to paid goods transport, particularly regarding reputation and regulatory compliance.

Air Sénégal justified its 2025 decision by emphasizing operational integrity and passenger trust. The airline reinforced internal controls and introduced specialized training to raise awareness about fraud and illicit trafficking. Despite these measures, the current scandal underscores the ongoing need for vigilance, especially on high-traffic international routes.

Impact on reputation and passenger confidence

The scandal comes at a critical time for Air Sénégal as it seeks to bolster its credibility on the European market, particularly on the Dakar-Paris route. The suspension and trafficking allegations may erode passenger confidence, prompting travelers to question the airline’s reliability and commitment to legal and secure operations.

Air Sénégal has reiterated its commitment to transparency and regulatory compliance. In an internal statement, management emphasized that « passenger and partner trust is essential for our business growth ». The airline has pledged to release a detailed update once internal and external investigations conclude, aiming to clarify the situation and reassure customers.

Passengers traveling from Dakar to Paris are advised to check their flight status regularly via Air Sénégal’s website or their travel agency. The airline assures that all maintained flights operate under normal conditions with MyWay Airlines, meeting international service standards.

A sector-wide challenge in security and compliance

The case highlights broader challenges faced by African airlines in ensuring security and regulatory adherence. Paid goods transport by cabin crew is a known issue in several regions, but it carries heightened risks on international routes where customs and security checks are stricter.

Airport authorities and airlines must remain vigilant to prevent illicit practices from damaging their reputation or, worse, compromising passenger safety. In Africa, where the aviation sector is rapidly expanding, these concerns are critical as traveler and investor trust directly impacts growth.

Air Sénégal has pledged full cooperation with judicial and law enforcement authorities, reaffirming its commitment to integrity and professionalism. The airline has stated it will publish a comprehensive report on the ongoing investigations as soon as possible to restore trust among passengers and partners.

In an era where transparency and compliance are increasingly vital for travelers, this scandal serves as a reminder that the aviation industry must continuously adapt its practices to meet evolving expectations for safety and legality.