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

By Kieron Monks, CNN

Updated 0953 GMT (1753 HKT) November 16, 2017

Chat with us in Facebook Messenger. Find out what's happening in the world as it unfolds.

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.
Hide Caption
1 of 9
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.
Hide Caption
2 of 9
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.
Hide Caption
3 of 9
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.
Hide Caption
4 of 9
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.
Hide Caption
5 of 9
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.
Hide Caption
6 of 9
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.
Hide Caption
7 of 9
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.
Hide Caption
8 of 9
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.
Hide Caption
9 of 9
GettyImages-862501356GettyImages-862501442DSC04376DSC01186DSC_2411DSC_2410GettyImages-862501414GettyImages-862501422GettyImages-862501564

Story highlights

  • Senegal's largest airport opens in December
  • Decade-long construction process suffered sev