During a recent trip to Senegal, I had the opportunity to visit the Casamance region in the south of the country, close to the border with Guinea-Bissau. This would involve flying on Air Senegal’s ATR 72-600 aircraft on the short flight from Dakar’s Blaise Diagne International Airport (DSS) to Cap Skirring (CSK).

Air Senegal commenced operations in May 2018. Today, the Senegalese flag carrier flies to 19 destinations across West Africa, Europe, and the US from its hub at Blaise Diagne International Airport.

The airport

Blaise Diagne International Airport is located 43 km (27 miles) east of downtown Dakar. Public transport is currently very limited, although a train line linking the airport to the city is due to open in 2023. The one-hour journey in a taxi costs 16,000 CFA ($25).

The airport opened in 2017, following a lengthy 10-year construction period, and its modern design, mixed with a few Senegalese touches, gives it a bright and airy feel.

Check-in and boarding

Prior to reaching the check-in area, all passengers must pass through a baggage security control point. However, this moved swiftly, and after checking in my bag (a 23kg check-in bag is included with all tickets on Air Senegal), I made my way through the empty domestic security channel.

My flight boarded through gate 201. This meant a bus ride out to a remote stand, where one of Air Senegal's ATR 72-600s (registration 6V-AMS) was being prepared for the flight to Cap Skirring. Proudly displaying the colors of the Senegalese national flag, the airline's livery really is stunning.

Onboard

The welcome from the cabin crew at the rear door was friendly, and all announcements were made in French, English, and Wolof.

I had specifically chosen a window seat (7A) to be able to take photos, so you can imagine my disappointment when I was greeted with a window covered in dirt and dust.

Aside from my window, the cabin was clean and bright, and the seat pitch was a standard 30 inches. After a short take-off roll, we were soon in the air.

On this short flight of just 45 minutes, the cabin crew conducted a refreshment service, offering water, juices, and soft drinks. I opted for a pineapple juice as I admired the impressive views of the Senegalese coastline and the Casamance River, separating Senegal from The Gambia.

Landing and arrival

On our descent into Cap Skirring, we flew past the airport (tip: sit on the left-hand side of the aircraft for some awesome views!). After landing, we turned around to taxi back down the runway to the small terminal building.

Unusually for a domestic arrival, all passengers had to show their passports before reaching the airport’s one and only baggage belt. Baggage delivery was swift, and once outside the airport, taxis will take you to Cap Skirring village and the surrounding hotels for 3,000 CFA ($5).

Air Senegal – overall impressions

The tickets were not what I would consider cheap for the 45-minute journey. However, I was very impressed with the service, punctuality, and overall friendliness offered by Air Senegal, and I would happily fly with them again in the future.

My only complaint, in this case, would be the dirty window making photography somewhat challenging!

About Cap Skirring

Cap Skirring International Airport (CSK) is the gateway to the Casamance region of Senegal, where visitors can find deserted beaches, mangroves, villages, and a unique cultural heritage.

Currently, the airport’s only services are to Dakar, operated by Air Senegal and Transair. Pre-pandemic, Transavia had direct flights from Paris Orly to Cap Skirring, giving French tourists easy access to some winter sunshine in this beautiful part of the country. It is not yet known if and when this direct link with Europe may return.

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