United Airlines launches first-ever direct flights between Dakar and Washington D.C

May 26, 2025 in Business, Companies, Transport, Travel & Tourism by Editor

United Airlines has launched its inaugural nonstop, year-round service between Dakar and Washington D.C., marking the carrier’s first route to Senegal and its sixth destination in Africa. The new service, which operates three times a week, makes United the only airline directly connecting the Senegalese capital to the U.S. capital.

The first flight from Washington Dulles International Airport arrived in Dakar over the weekend, with officials hailing the new route as a milestone for U.S.-Senegal ties and regional connectivity.

“This new service is not just a flight; it’s a bridge between nations,” said U.S. Ambassador to Senegal Michael Raynor, describing the route as a signal of confidence in Senegal’s growing economic and geopolitical importance.

United’s Senior Vice President of Global Network Planning, Patrick Quayle, noted that the new route offers Senegalese travelers seamless access to over 65 destinations across the Americas via United’s Washington Dulles hub, while opening up West Africa to American tourists.

Dakar becomes the sixth African city in United’s expanding footprint, joining Johannesburg, Cape Town, Accra, Lagos, and Marrakesh. The new Dakar route is part of United’s largest-ever international expansion, which includes nine new transatlantic routes this summer.

Flights will be operated with a Boeing 767-300, featuring United Polaris business class, Premium Plus, Economy Plus, and standard economy cabins.

United will fly from Dakar to Washington every Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday, departing at 09:05 and arriving at 14:05. The return leg departs Washington D.C. every Tuesday, Friday, and Sunday at 18:30, landing in Dakar at 07:00 the following morning.

Airport operator LAS welcomed the route as a boost to Senegal’s tourism and trade potential. “This flight enhances our international offering and reinforces Senegal’s position as a regional hub,” said LAS General Director Askin