Senegal's new $575 million airport opens after 10-year saga

By Kieron Monks, CNN

Updated 0953 GMT (1753 HKT) November 16, 2017

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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