AIBD: Unions denounce salary delays and demand the restoration of their acquired rights

Tensions are rising at Blaise Diagne International Airport (AIBD). At a joint press conference this Wednesday, November 11, 2026, in Yoff, the Union of Airport Staff of Senegal (SPAS) and the Unified and Democratic Union of Airport Workers of Senegal ( SUDTRAS ) denounced recurring salary delays, the elimination of several social benefits, and disparities in treatment among employees. After two years of sacrifices, the workers feel they have reached their breaking point and are calling on the authorities to take action.

Speaking to the press, general secretaries Djibril Sakho and Ass Malick Ndoye deplored a situation that, according to them, had become unbearable. They denounced, in particular, payment delays that are putting families in a difficult financial position, as well as the unilateral elimination of benefits, which they consider contrary to the decisions of the board of directors. The two unions also demanded the harmonization of salaries, the reinstatement of social benefits, and the resumption of joint committees to guarantee the professional advancement of employees.

Beyond wage demands, the unions are calling on the government to support the financial recovery of the Blaise Diagne International Airport (AIBD), particularly by releasing its main sources of revenue held in bank loans and recovering the assets inherited from the former ADES (Blaise Development and Economic Development Agency). They are also advocating for the resumption of work on regional airports, their effective reopening, and the transfer of commercial operations from Léopold Sédar Senghor Airport to the AIBD. "This is our identity, our core business, our right," they argued.

While encouraging management to continue restructuring jobs to address the staffing shortage in aeronautical professions, the unions believe these changes must be accompanied by career advancement opportunities and financial incentives. They also call for the establishment of a permanent consultation and monitoring mechanism to ensure that social partners are fully involved in decisions concerning the company's future.

After two years of patience and sacrifice, SPAS and SUDTRAS no longer want to see workers pay the price for their company's difficulties through their wages and living conditions. They now expect concrete answers from management and the government.