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Air Sénégal (HC, Dakar Blaise Diagne Int'l) has long-held plans to serve the United States, including starting the application process with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), but internal conflicts within the government of Senegal's President Macky Sall could put the breaks on the airline's transatlantic ambitions, according to local media reports.

The carrier has plans to start flights from Dakar Blaise Diagne Int'l to New York JFK via Washington Dulles from this summer. However, in a meeting of the Council of Ministers, the Senegalese head of state made his reservations clear to Alioune Sarr, minister of tourism and air transport.

"I salute your commitment to make Air Sénégal one of the best airlines in the sub-region, or even on the continent, but I find that it will be necessary to review your plan to serve the United States," said Sall.

He then suggested that the minister take all the necessary precautions before placing Air Sénégal on a route, especially given the likely high costs for the state-owned carrier.

According to the...