Air Sierra Leone has expanded its network with new routes linking The Gambia and the United Kingdom as part of activities marking its first anniversary of flight operations. Starting February, the airline will operate direct flights from The Gambia (BJL) to London Gatwick (LGW), strengthening travel between West Africa and the UK. In addition, the carrier will introduce a regional route connecting Freetown to Banjul, enhancing convenience for passengers travelling within the sub-region.
The expansion reflects Air Sierra Leone’s commitment to providing safe, reliable, and efficient air travel while supporting tourism, trade, and cultural exchange across key destinations. Group Chief Operating Officer at XE Jet Limited, Mr Sukhjinder Mann, reaffirmed the airline’s focus on growth, customer satisfaction, and regional integration as it celebrates one year of operations. He explained that the Gambia route will provide year-round connectivity between Banjul and London and significantly reduce travel time between these key city pairs. The Freetown-Banjul connection is also expected to boost travel within West Africa.
“We are extremely grateful to the governments of the United Kingdom and The Gambia for believing in our vision and understanding our business model. This new route will allow year-round connectivity between Banjul and London and reduce travel time between these key city pairs. The Freetown–Banjul connection will further boost regional connectivity in West Africa. Within a year of launching flight operations, Air Sierra Leone is now firmly embedded on the global aviation stage, and we look forward to further expanding our network in the coming months.”
Mann noted that the airline’s alignment with global safety regulations is part of a wider strategy to support Sierra Leone’s aviation ambitions, particularly efforts to maintain compliance with European safety standards.
Since September 14, 2025, the airline has offered direct connectivity between London and Lagos via Freetown, operating with minimal connection times in Freetown. Building on this success, the new schedule allows passengers from London to travel seamlessly to Lagos through Freetown and onward to Banjul from February. This approach offers a competitive alternative to established European and Middle Eastern operators while positioning Air Sierra Leone as an emerging West African hub.
Industry analysts describe the development as a significant boost to West Africa’s aviation landscape. They highlight that Air Sierra Leone’s entry into the London-Lagos and Gambia routes could stimulate passenger traffic, strengthen commercial ties, and enhance Sierra Leone’s reputation as a growing transit gateway. Mann emphasised that the carrier is committed to improving connectivity, making regional travel faster and more convenient, and providing a home-based alternative for international passengers.
Passengers travelling to The Gambia can now expect seamless connections, improved travel options, and the warm hospitality that Air Sierra Leone is known for. With these expansions, the airline continues to demonstrate its ambition to challenge established market leaders while delivering cost-effective and efficient travel between West Africa and the United Kingdom.
