Travellers to Senegal to See Extra X-Ray Screening at Blaise Diagne Before Youth Games

The United States has donated three new x-ray screening machines to Blaise Diagne International Airport in Senegal, the main gateway for Dakar and the wider West African region. The equipment was formally handed over on 15 October 2026, weeks before tens of thousands of international visitors are expected to arrive for the 2026 Dakar Youth Olympic Games.

Key facts

• Three Smiths Detection dual-view Advanced Technology (AT) x-ray machines donated to Blaise Diagne International Airport
• Handover ceremony held on 15 October 2026
• Funded by the U.S. Department of State Counterterrorism Bureau
• Implemented by the U.S. Department of Justice ICITAP programme with a U.S. Transportation Security Administration (TSA) representative and team
• Expected to be in use as visitors arrive for the 2026 Dakar Youth Olympic Games by the end of October

What has been installed?

Three dual-view Advanced Technology x-ray machines, manufactured in the United States, have been installed at Blaise Diagne International Airport. The U.S. Embassy said the machines strengthen the airport's screening capabilities and support safe, secure and efficient aviation operations.

The embassy also noted that installation is only one part of the work. Training, maintenance and sustainment are described as essential to keeping the equipment reliable and integrated into daily airport operations, alongside knowledge and skills transfer to Senegalese aviation security staff.

Who is behind the project?

The equipment was funded by the U.S. Department of State's Counterterrorism Bureau and implemented by the U.S. Department of Justice's International Criminal Investigative Training Assistance Program (ICITAP), working jointly with TSA representative Lori Silcox and her team.

Senegalese partners named in the project include the National Agency of Civil Aviation and Meteorology (ANACIM) and the High Authority of Airport Security (HAAS). Charge d'Affaires Jennifer Davis Paguada spoke at the handover ceremony, which was also attended by Senegal's Minister of Land and Air Transport Abdoul Ahad Ndiaye and other officials.

When will travellers notice it?

The machines were handed over on 15 October 2026 and are being brought into operation. U.S. officials said the equipment would be needed by the end of the month, when tens of thousands of international visitors arrive in Senegal for the 2026 Dakar Youth Olympic Games.

What this means for travellers

Passengers passing through Blaise Diagne International Airport may encounter the new x-ray screening equipment as it is brought into service. The source describes no changes to visas, entry rules or traveller procedures, and no new screening requirements have been announced.

The U.S. Embassy said its engagement with the airport has included capacity-building workshops and work with Senegalese aviation security authorities and airline partners on compliance with international aviation security standards.