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United Airlines Launches Direct D.C.-to-Dakar Flight

May 28, 2025

United Airlines has launched a new direct flight route from Dulles International Airport in Northern Virginia to Dakar, Senegal, marking the airline's fourth African destination. The inaugural flight was celebrated with a festive atmosphere as passengers, including Alexandria resident Shontel Mason, gathered at the international terminal dressed in African attire. United will operate this route three times weekly using a Boeing 767-300ER aircraft, providing the only nonstop connection between the Washington D.C. metropolitan area and Dakar.

Who is affected

  • The Senegalese community in the Washington D.C. metropolitan area
  • Travelers from the D.C. area to Senegal (including tourists and business travelers)
  • United Airlines passengers and staff
  • Dulles International Airport employees and operations
  • Senegal's tourism and business sectors
  • Family members of Senegalese immigrants in the U.S. (like Flight Attendant Adaja Fall's sister)

What action is being taken

  • United Airlines is operating a new direct flight route from Dulles International Airport to Dakar, Senegal three times weekly
  • The Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority is constructing another international terminal at Dulles
  • United Airlines is exploring expansion to other destinations from the Dulles international terminal
  • Senegal is actively promoting itself as a destination for business investors and tourists

Why it matters

  • The route provides the only nonstop connection between the Washington D.C. area and Dakar
  • It eliminates the need for D.C.-area Senegalese residents to travel through New York to reach their homeland
  • The flight symbolically connects the capital of the United States to the capital of Senegal
  • Senegal is considered politically stable and economically expanding according to the U.S. Department of Commerce
  • The route facilitates increased business, family, and tourism travel to Senegal

What's next

  • Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority CEO Jack Potter hopes the flight frequency will increase from three times weekly to daily service
  • United Airlines is looking to expand to other destinations from the Dulles international terminal

Read full article from source: The Washington Informer

United Airlines Launches Direct D.C.-to-Dakar Flight