AIBD SA responds to the unions and defends its management

The management of Blaise Diagne International Airport (AIBD SA) has responded to statements made by several labor unions regarding the company's governance, social policy, and employee working conditions. In a press release signed by the Executive Director of Communications, management aims to provide clarification on several points of contention.

Harmonization of statutes: management cites a consensus

Regarding the harmonization of employee status, the General Management asserts that the process was conducted in consultation with social partners. According to them, the system was agreed upon before its approval by the Board of Directors.

Management clarifies that its implementation must take place after the execution of the social plan, presented as a directive from the Interministerial Council. It assures that this process will be conducted "without discrimination" and in consultation with worker representatives, as soon as the necessary financial resources are available.

The General Management also believes that the collective interest of the company must take precedence over individual efforts to avoid the social plan.

Staff representative elections: management contests a unilateral postponement

Regarding the elections of staff representatives, AIBD SA rejects the idea that the postponement of the vote was decided unilaterally by the General Management.

She claims to have followed the procedures stipulated by the Labor Code and indicates that several consultation meetings have been held with the unions. According to management, the two majority unions themselves officially requested a postponement of the vote to allow for a review of the issues related to the company's reorganization.

The General Management also highlights the election, on July 9, 2026, of the staff representative to the Board of Directors. It asserts that this election was conducted transparently and fairly.

Health insurance: AIBD SA mentions improvements

Employee health insurance is another point of contention. The Directorate General indicates that a provider was selected following an open tender process for a three-year term, with automatic annual renewal.

Acknowledging the existence of difficulties in the operation of the system, she states that she has asked the insurer to correct the shortcomings observed.

According to figures released by AIBD SA, as of August 31, 2026, 767 out of 801 beneficiaries had their insurance cards, representing approximately 96%. The remaining 34 beneficiaries were primarily affected by incomplete files.

Management also states that the processing of reimbursement and coverage requests has improved and that a health insurance monitoring mission has been put in place.

She also argues that the new contract would allow the company to save 500 million CFA francs per year, while maintaining, according to her, comparable requirements and services.

Human resources: priority given to professions deemed strategic

Regarding human resources management, AIBD SA states that it prioritizes controlling staff numbers and payroll while maintaining the skills necessary for the safety and continuity of airport operations.

The General Management explains in particular that some fixed-term contracts that have expired have not been renewed and that recruitment is subject to the authorization of the Board of Directors.

At the same time, the company claims to be investing in professions considered critical. An internal competition reportedly led to the retraining of 19 employees as airport firefighters, with training financed by AIBD SA and provided by AIMAC, the academy for training in civil aviation professions.

The management also indicates that it has settled payment arrears related to the training of agents in several foreign establishments, notably in Morocco, Niger and Cameroon.

A new redeployment operation involving 70 agents should also be launched, according to AIBD SA, in order to strengthen the professions identified as priorities.

Investments in infrastructure and skills

In its press release, the Directorate General also presents its strategic directions for the airport sector. It specifically mentions the opening of Ziguinchor airport, the strengthening of security professions, the training of specialized skills, and the consolidation of the national airport network.

The management also claims to have contributed to the process that led to the certification of Cap Skirring airport and to strengthening Senegal's performance with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).

She also mentions the transfer of air navigation from Saint-Louis airport to ASECNA and announces the upcoming integration of Ourossogui-Matam airport into the network operated by AIBD SA.

The LAS concession at the heart of the financial issues

The General Management also revisits the concession of the Blaise Diagne international airport and the relationship with LAS.

She asserts that no review of the concession contract, which is stipulated every three years according to her press release, has been undertaken in the previous nine years. She indicates that the current management has initiated this review process and that the initial findings should be available soon.

Financially, AIBD SA claims to have inherited significant debts and problematic contracts. According to its figures, more than 5 billion CFA francs have been lost in transactions and contracts predating the arrival of the current management.

The company also indicates that it has settled invoices covering the period from January 2006 to March 2024 and reports several legal proceedings as well as administrative seizures from third-party holders (ATD).

Management assures, however, that financial recovery efforts are continuing and that the company's financial statements, which could not have been certified previously due to these difficulties, are now in the process of being certified.

More than 700 million CFA francs in savings announced

To illustrate its cost reduction policy, AIBD SA puts forward several figures.

The company notably reports savings of 360 million CFA francs on fuel, 144 million on telecommunications and more than 200 million on travel and missions.

It also announces the upcoming end of a vehicle rental contract for missions and daily transport of agents, as well as the discontinuation of certain services deemed too costly.

The abandonment of the building occupied in the Keur Gorgui district, which reportedly cost 201 million CFA francs per year, should also allow management to reduce expenses. AIBD SA is simultaneously working on the construction of a new headquarters.

Solar and medical center project

The Directorate General also announces several structuring projects in the energy and health sectors.

She indicates that she has finalized, with a partner, a project for an 18 MW solar power plant, with 50 MW of storage capacity, at the Diass site. The stated objective is to achieve energy self-sufficiency for the airport.

Another 200 MW solar project is also announced for regional airports.

AIBD SA is finally planning the construction of an emergency medical center for stakeholders at the airport platform.

Finally, the General Management affirms its intention to make social dialogue a central element of its governance. It states that its strategy is based on cost control, operational security, skills development, revenue growth, and the consolidation of the national airport network.