Léopold Sédar Senghor International Airport (DKR)

Léopold Sédar Senghor International Airport (GOOY (DKR)) is a public and military airport located near Yoff, a northern suburb of Dakar, Senegal.

Type of Facility and Operations: Currently, Léopold Sédar Senghor International Airport primarily handles international freight and charter flights. It also serves as the Dakar-Ouakam Air Base for the French Air Force. While it no longer accommodates regular international passenger flights since 2017, it reopened in 2025 for Air Senegal's domestic flights, with plans to serve as a domestic hub connecting Dakar to other regions within the country. The airport also facilitates business aviation.

Notable Features or History: Originally known as Dakar-Yoff International Airport, it was renamed on October 9, 1996, in honor of Léopold Sédar Senghor, Senegal's first president. During World War II, it played a crucial role as a link in the United States Army Air Forces Air Transport Command's Natal-Dakar air route, providing a vital transoceanic connection and serving as a major cargo storage point. Historically, it was a significant stopover for flights between Europe and South America before the advent of long-range jets and was a hub for the former multinational airline Air Afrique. The airport also briefly served as a Space Shuttle landing site, a role discontinued in 1987 due to concerns about runway irregularities.

Current Status: Léopold Sédar Senghor International Airport transitioned from being Dakar's primary international passenger airport in December 2017 with the opening of the new Blaise Diagne International Airport (DSS). Its operations are now focused on cargo and charter services, along with a growing number of domestic routes operated by Air Senegal. The airport functions as a military installation, with its management entrusted to the national army since December 8, 2017. The facility is open 24 hours, including customs operations.