ITA Airways Launches Direct Rome-Dakar Flights, Expanding Its African Footprint
ITA Airways has officially opened ticket sales for its much-anticipated nonstop flight service between Rome and Dakar, commencing on July 3rd, 2024. This new route underscores the Italian national carrier's strategic expansion into Africa, marking its second direct connection to the continent for the upcoming summer season.
The service is set to run four times a week on Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, employing the cutting-edge Airbus A321neo. Until October, flights will depart from Rome Fiumicino at 3:30 p.m., arriving in Dakar by 7:30 p.m. local time. A slight schedule adjustment from October 27th will see departures from Rome at 3 p.m., with an 8:10 p.m. arrival in Dakar. Conversely, return flights from Dakar to Rome will leave at 11:40 p.m., reaching Italy the following morning at 7:20 a.m., with a minor modification in timing post-October 27th to better accommodate travelers.
The Airbus A321neo, known for its exceptional range and performance, will service the route. This aircraft is lauded for its eco-friendly credentials, boasting over 20 percent lower fuel consumption and CO2 emissions per seat, alongside a 50 percent reduction in noise impact compared to its predecessors. Designed by Walter de Silva, the cabin interiors are a testament to Italian elegance, offering passengers comfort and style across three classes: Business, Premium Economy, and Economy, including a dedicated Comfort Economy section.
This new route not only strengthens ITA Airways' network within Africa but also enhances its global connectivity, increasing the total number of destinations to 57, including 16 domestic, 26 international, and 15 intercontinental routes. The airline is set to further cater to summer travelers by adding 10 seasonal destinations, highlighting its commitment to combining leisure and business travel opportunities.
The Rome-Dakar service is poised to become a key component of ITA Airways' offerings, facilitating direct access to strategic points across both Italy and Senegal. As the airline broadens its horizons, passengers can look forward to a seamless blend of convenience, efficiency, and Italian flair on their journey to and from West Africa.