With 282 days, or ten months, until the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games (YOG), the Youth Olympic Games Organising Committee (YOGOC) signed strategic agreements this Thursday with the main structures (Limak AIBD Summa LAS, AIBD-SA, 2AS) of the Blaise Diagne International Airport (AIBD) airport platform.

This ceremony marks a major milestone in the logistical and operational preparation for this historic event, the first edition of the Olympic Games held on the African continent.

Ibrahima Wade, general coordinator of the Youth Olympic Games Organising Committee (COJOJ), recalled the symbolic and strategic importance of Blaise Diagne International Airport, which is expected to host nearly 15,000 people (athletes, officials, government delegations, media and partners) over a very short period.

"AIBD will be the first and last image the world has of Senegal. We have a collective responsibility to offer a smooth, secure welcome that meets Olympic standards," he stressed.

Successful tests and a deliberate anticipation

Recent test events held at the airport, notably during the Dakar en Jeux Festival in November 2025, have validated the implemented systems. The target of an average transit time of 20 minutes between disembarkation and exiting the airport has been achieved.

"The desired average passenger time within the airport during the Games will be 20 minutes between disembarking and exiting to take transport. This time has been tested, respected and achieved. This proves that we are ready. And we will do even more to be even more ready. We are ready to welcome the world in the best conditions," said Ibrahima Wade.

In addition to the massive influx of passengers, the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games, according to Mr. Wade, involve the simultaneous management of personal luggage and often bulky and sensitive sports equipment. Close coordination between handling services, security forces, customs, and technical teams is therefore central to the operation.

Ibrahima Wade praised the crucial role of AIBD-SA, guarantor of the strategic vision and infrastructure development; of LAS, platform manager and key player in operational performance; of 2AS, main ground handling operator; of ANACIM, in charge of civil aviation regulation and the provision of essential meteorological data; as well as the defense and security forces.

Thus, these agreements reinforce the institutional framework already established, in particular the agreement signed in August 2025 with the Ministry in charge of Air Transport, as well as the guidelines from the Presidential Council of December 16, 2025, chaired by the Head of State, Bassirou Diomaye Diakhar Faye.

For Askin Demir, CEO of LAS, "the entire airport platform is mobilized behind the COJOJ to make AIBD a model of hospitality for Africa and the world".

"The entire airport platform has mobilized alongside the Organizing Committee for the Youth Olympic Games (COJOJ) to ensure an exemplary welcome for all athletes, officials, and media... The LAS team, along with all its staff, is fully committed to ensuring that everything runs as smoothly as possible and that this welcome serves as a benchmark for Africa and the world. We have witnessed the remarkable commitment of all components of the airport platform, from ground handling to security, and LAS will be responsible for leading and coordinating all these teams. We will be by the COJOJ's side from start to finish, from the beginning to the end of the Olympic Games, with the ambition of a successful organization worthy of the event," assures Mr. Demir.

For his part, Abdoulaye Dièye, Director General of AIBD-SA, recalled that the airport is "the gateway to Senegal" and an essential lever to embody the State's vision in terms of hospitality, security and operational excellence.

Dakar 2026, a momentum already underway

Through this collective commitment, the stakeholders at the airport platform reaffirm their commitment to raising standards, harmonizing practices, and strengthening the Senegalese culture of Teranga (hospitality). The High Authority of Airports of Senegal (HAAS) fully supports this initiative and partnership.

"Indeed, these agreements constitute an essential milestone in the successful preparation for the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games. The quality of the reception, the smooth flow of passengers, and the robustness of safety and security measures will be crucial to the success of this event. HAAS, the Airport Security Authority, intends to fully play its role in coordination with the various airport stakeholders, including the defense and security forces, gendarmerie, police, customs, security companies, etc. Our commitment is clear: to contribute to a coherent, efficient, and proactive system that guarantees both the facilitation of operations and the highest level of safety and security," stated Colonel François Sambou, Secretary General of HAAS.