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Senegal's largest airport cleared for launch

Updated 0942 GMT (1742 HKT) November 16, 2017

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The entrance of Blaise Diagne International Airport (AIBD) in Diass, around 40km from the Senegalese capital Dakar. <br /><br />The $575 million megaproject will be among the largest airports in Africa when it opens on December 7.
Photos: Inside $575 million megaproject
Ready for take-off – The entrance of Blaise Diagne International Airport (AIBD) in Diass, around 40km from the Senegalese capital Dakar.

The $575 million megaproject will be among the largest airports in Africa when it opens on December 7.
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The new airport will replace the services of Dakar's existing international airport, which will cease operations.
Photos: Inside $575 million megaproject
New player – The new airport will replace the services of Dakar's existing international airport, which will cease operations.
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AIBD will have an initial capacity of three million passengers per year, rising to 10 million per year, far surpassing any other airport in Senegal.
Photos: Inside $575 million megaproject
Vast capacity – AIBD will have an initial capacity of three million passengers per year, rising to 10 million per year, far surpassing any other airport in Senegal.
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The construction process has taken 10 years due to repeated setbacks, including the need to resettle displaced residents of the area, and a change of construction firms.
Photos: Inside $575 million megaproject
Long journey – The construction process has taken 10 years due to repeated setbacks, including the need to resettle displaced residents of the area, and a change of construction firms.
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AIBD will handle around 80,000 flights a year. The Senegalese authorities hope it will become the primary hub of West Africa.
Photos: Inside $575 million megaproject
Ready for landing – AIBD will handle around 80,000 flights a year. The Senegalese authorities hope it will become the primary hub of West Africa.
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The site will also have capacity to house large planes such as Airbus A380s.
Photos: Inside $575 million megaproject
Gnerous legroom – The site will also have capacity to house large planes such as Airbus A380s.
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It is hoped that the airport will lead to wider development of the currently remote area including through new malls, hotels and business facilities.
Photos: Inside $575 million megaproject
Build it...they will come? – It is hoped that the airport will lead to wider development of the currently remote area including through new malls, hotels and business facilities.
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French firm Lagardère Travel Retail has been contracted to operate 1,000 square meters of duty-free stores on the site.
Photos: Inside $575 million megaproject
Partnerships – French firm Lagardère Travel Retail has been contracted to operate 1,000 square meters of duty-free stores on the site.
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The terminal is 42,000 square meters consisting of two tiers and a mezzanine level.
Photos: Inside $575 million megaproject
Interior design – The terminal is 42,000 square meters consisting of two tiers and a mezzanine level.
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