Blaise Diagne Airport, the nerve centre of the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games, was the venue for a strategic meeting between the YOGOC and the AIBD.

On Tuesday, 5 August, in a friendly atmosphere, Mr. Cheikh Mamadou Abiboulaye Dieye, Managing Director of Blaise-Diagne International Airport (AIBD), welcomed a large delegation from the Youth Olympic Games Organising Committee (YOGOC), led by its General Coordinator, Mr. Ibrahima Wade.

A meeting that will play a key role in the organisation of the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games (YOG).

This meeting, held at the AIBD headquarters, marks a new stage in the discussions that have been ongoing for several months between the two entities. The aim is to structure and strengthen collaboration to make the AIBD an essential link in welcoming and guiding the thousands of participants and visitors expected to attend the YOG.

AIBD Airport is Senegal’s first showcase for the YOG

Blaise-Diagne International Airport will be the first point of contact between Senegal and international delegations (athletes, officials, journalists, and tourists). As such, it will play a central role in several key areas of the event: arrivals and departures, accreditation, logistics, signage and visual identity..

The YOGOC representatives took the opportunity to present their areas of intervention and highlight their expectations of the AIBD Airport, particularly in terms of operational fluidity, flow management and user experience.

Stronger collaboration for shared success.

All participants unanimously recognised the strategic importance of the AIBD airport within the YOG programme. As Mr. Cheikh Mamadou Abiboulaye Dieye pointed out, :

« It is essential to ensure perfect synchronisation between all stakeholders. The AIBD will be more than just a logistics hub; it will also promote Senegal's image. »

For his part, Mr. Ibrahima Wade emphasised the symbolic importance of hospitality to the success of the YOG.

« The first medals that Senegal will win will be those of hospitality. »

We are moving towards the creation of joint technical committees.

To ensure effective coordination and rigorous monitoring of the planned actions, the two departments have decided to set up joint technical committees, including representatives from AIBD and YOGOC, with immediate effect. These committees will be responsible for planning, supervising, and adjusting the operational aspects related to the airport in preparation for the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games. With less than a year to go before the event, this meeting marks a strategic turning point. The AIBD will not only serve as a logistical gateway, but also as a venue designed to showcase Senegal as a destination and promote the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games.