Gambiatravel

Link: http://www.foroyaa.gm/modules/news/article.php?storyid=6014

According to latest information Brussels Airlines flights from Brussels via Dakar to Banjul have ceased with effect from 6 January 2011. Brussel Airlines official, Mr Sciot stated in an interview with a local newspaper that the airline received a letter from the Senegalese Authorities that as from 6 January they would be no longer allowed to operate flights to Senegal in combination with other destinations (For example they can no longer operate the popular Brussels-Dakar-Banjul-Dakar-Brussels flights as they used to do for the last 8 years). Mr Sciot stated that now they are only allowed to operate Brussels-Dakar-Brussels flights without continuing to Banjul. So far no explenation has been given by the Senegalese authorities as to what prompted this decision. Mr. Sciot confirmed “We do not know the reasons for this decision as we had the traffic rights to operate flights to Dakar in combination with a stop in another West African Country." Therefore the daily Brussels-Dakar-Brussels flights will continue but have to be operated with an extra aircraft. However there will be no more flights between Dakar and Banjul. The Brussels Airlines Vice President-External Communications/Corporate Communication appologized for any inconvenience and promised that all passengers concerned will receive full refund. The direct Banjul flights shall not be affected but combined with other West African Destinations. Hopefully this will not lead to longer flight times. The last flight on the 11th jan. 2011 reached Banjul 4 hrs late because of fliying to another West African country. Brussels Airlines is the most expensive carrier between Europe and The Gambia. Therfore clients would most likely expect to be given a little better service.