Find the cheapest flights from Dubai to Dakar in 2026. Compare airlines, prices by month, and booking tips to save on your trip.
Route: Dubai (DXB) → Dakar (DKR)
Distance: Direct flights not available
Flight Duration: 12h 30m – 18h 45m (1 stop)
Prices by Month
| Month | Avg Price | Demand |
|---|---|---|
| January | €520 | high |
| February | €480 | medium |
| March | €420 | medium |
| April | €380 | medium |
| May | €310 | low |
| June | €340 | low |
| July | €390 | medium |
| August | €410 | medium |
| September | €350 | low |
| October | €380 | medium |
| November | €360 | low |
| December | €550 | high |
Airlines on This Route
- Emirates (connecting): from €420 — Check for EK501/502 routing via Casablanca or Accra – sometimes cheaper than Gulf-to-Gulf connections
- Qatar Airways (connecting): from €390 — Doha connection typically offers shortest layover (2-3 hours) – search QR552 to QR573 routing
- Turkish Airlines (connecting): from €340 — Istanbul layover can be 5-12 hours – book separate accommodation if overnight stop to break up journey
- Royal Air Maroc (connecting): from €310 — Casablanca connection often yields lowest prices – AT206/207 routing from Dubai to Casablanca, then to Dakar
- Air Senegal (connecting): from €360 — Useful if you have French visa – offers direct Bissau connection but limited schedule
Booking Strategy
The Dubai-Dakar route has no direct flights, making connecting carriers essential. Royal Air Maroc via Casablanca typically offers the lowest fares, especially from May-September when prices drop to €300-350. Turkish Airlines and Qatar Airways provide the most reliable connections with decent layover times. Book 6-8 weeks ahead for optimal pricing – last-minute bookings in December can hit €600+. Tuesday and Wednesday departures are typically €40-80 cheaper than weekend flights. Use Skyscanner’s ‘everywhere’ feature to compare all carriers at once, then book directly with the airline to avoid OTA booking fees. Senegal visa-on-arrival is available for UAE residents, so no advance visa processing needed.
Route Tips
- Blaise Diagne Airport (DKR) is 60km from city center – pre-arrange transfer or expect 60-90 minute taxi ride costing around €25-30
- UAE residents get visa-on-arrival for Senegal (valid 30 days) – bring hotel confirmation and return ticket printout
- Royal Air Maroc via Casablanca often has the cheapest tickets but check luggage allowance matches your needs
- If overnight layover in Istanbul, Turkish Airlines provides free hotel for connections over 20 hours – contact transit desk
- Dakar’s peak traffic hours are 7-9am and 5-8pm – plan airport transfers outside these times
- Check if your credit card works in Senegal ATMs before arrival – some international cards have issues with local machines
- Air Senegal has limited flights – if booking them, reconfirm 48 hours before as schedules change frequently
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the flight from Dubai to Dakar?
The flight from Dubai (DXB) to Dakar (DKR) takes between 12h 30m and 18h 45m depending on your connection city. There are no direct flights – all routes require at least one stop. The shortest connections are via Doha (Qatar Airways) at around 12h 30m total travel time with a 2-3 hour layover. Via Istanbul (Turkish Airlines) typically takes 14-16 hours, while Casablanca routing (Royal Air Maroc) takes 15-18 hours. The Blaise Diagne International Airport (DKR) is located approximately 60km southeast of Dakar city center.
How much does it cost to fly from Dubai to Dakar?
Economy class flights from Dubai to Dakar start at approximately €300 (during low season, May-September) with Royal Air Maroc via Casablanca. Average prices hover around €350-420 throughout the year. Peak season pricing (December-January) sees prices climb to €500-600. Business class fares range from €1,800-3,200 depending on carrier and booking class. The cheapest connecting carrier is typically Royal Air Maroc, while Emirates and Qatar Airways command premium pricing but offer better in-flight service and shorter layover times.
Are there direct flights from Dubai to Dakar?
No, there are no direct flights from Dubai to Dakar. All flights require at least one stopover. The most common connection hubs are Casablanca (Royal Air Maroc), Doha (Qatar Airways), Istanbul (Turkish Airlines), and Paris (Air Senegal). Among these, the Doha route generally offers the shortest total travel time. Travelers from Dubai can also consider flying to Paris first, then catching a regional flight to Dakar, though this often works out more expensive than Middle East or Turkish connections.
What is the cheapest month to fly from Dubai to Dakar?
May is typically the cheapest month to fly from Dubai to Dakar, with average prices around €310. The low season from May through September sees prices ranging from €300-410. December and January are the most expensive months due to holiday travel demand, with average prices reaching €520-550. If your travel dates are flexible, May and November offer the best balance of affordable pricing and decent weather conditions in Dakar. Avoid booking during the Christmas/New Year period unless you book well in advance.
Which airlines fly from Dubai to Dakar?
Five major airlines operate connecting flights on this route: Emirates (via multiple African hubs), Qatar Airways (via Doha), Turkish Airlines (via Istanbul), Royal Air Maroc (via Casablanca), and Air Senegal (via Paris or Bissau). Royal Air Maroc typically offers the lowest fares at €310-380, while Qatar Airways provides the most comfortable experience with excellent Doha hub facilities. Turkish Airlines offers good value at €340-400 with generous baggage allowances. Emirates is premium-priced but offers excellent service if you prefer traveling with a familiar carrier.
What airport do I fly into in Dakar?
You will fly into Blaise Diagne International Airport (DKR), Senegal’s main international gateway located in the Diass district, approximately 60km southeast of Dakar’s city center. The airport opened in 2017 and replaced the older Léopold Sédar Senghor Airport. From the airport to downtown Dakar, you can take a taxi (recommended, ~€25-30 or 15,000 CFA), a bus (around €5, takes longer), or arrange a private transfer. The drive to central Dakar typically takes 45-90 minutes depending on traffic. Make sure your visa arrangements are in order before arrival if required.
How far in advance should I book Dubai to Dakar flights?
For the Dubai to Dakar route, book 6-8 weeks in advance for the best prices. This applies particularly to travel during shoulder seasons (March-April, September-November). During peak season (December-January), aim for 8-12 weeks ahead as prices rise quickly and availability becomes limited. Last-minute bookings rarely yield deals on this route due to limited carrier competition. If traveling during Ramadan or major Senegalese holidays, book even earlier as capacity tightens. Set fare alerts on Skyscanner or Google Flights to monitor price movements.
Is it cheaper to fly from Dubai to Dakar on weekdays?
Yes, flying midweek from Dubai to Dakar is typically €40-80 cheaper than weekend departures. Tuesday and Wednesday are the cheapest days to fly, with Thursday offering moderate savings. Saturday departures are usually the most expensive, followed by Sunday. The difference is more pronounced during off-peak seasons. If your schedule allows flexibility, shifting your departure from Saturday to Tuesday can save significant money. Return flights from Dakar to Dubai tend to be cheaper on Monday and Tuesday. Combine midweek departures with early morning flights for maximum savings.
Data updated: 2026-03
