Gambia UK direct flights will commence on February 15 as Air Sierra Leone launches a new commercial air service linking Banjul directly to London Gatwick, marking a significant step in strengthening trade, tourism, and investment ties between The Gambia and the United Kingdom. The route is expected to enhance West Africa-UK connectivity while positioning The Gambia as an increasingly attractive aviation and business destination.
Like its Direct Flights to the UK from Freetown, Air Sierra Leone is starting its fares at $900
The announcement was made by Group Chief Operating Officer, XEJet, Sukhjinder Mann, during the UK–Gambia Trade and Investment Forum held in The Gambia. XEJet, a Nigeria-based aviation group, serves as the technical partner to Air Sierra Leone and has been actively expanding its footprint across West Africa and the United Kingdom.
Addressing senior government officials, diplomats, foreign investors, and trade stakeholders, Mann said the timing of the announcement underscored the strategic importance of the new route. He described the launch of Gambia UK direct flights as a deliberate move aligned with growing bilateral economic cooperation and rising demand for reliable air access between both markets.
“I can’t think of a better day to make this announcement, in front of His Excellency, the esteemed guests, and the Honourable High Commissioners to the UK and The Gambia, than at the first trade forum between these two beautiful countries,” Mann said.
According to him, the new service will initially operate once weekly between Banjul and London Gatwick, with expansion plans already in place. He explained that frequency would increase as traffic volumes stabilise, reflecting confidence in the long-term viability of Gambia UK direct flights.
“We will start our operations on the 15th of February, linking Banjul directly to London Gatwick. Initially, we will operate once a week, but our plan is to move to three times a week as soon as demand stabilises,” he stated.
Gambia UK Direct Flights: Economic and Trade Benefits
However, Mann stressed that the route is not designed solely for passenger movement. In addition, he said the airline intends to stimulate export-led growth by supporting cargo movements from The Gambia into the UK market, thereby strengthening supply chains and trade efficiency.
“We want to promote passenger traffic, but we are also very focused on export cargo out of The Gambia and supporting suppliers and businesses trading with the UK,” he explained.
XEJet’s involvement in Gambia UK direct flights builds on its recent partnership in launching Air Sierra Leone services from Freetown to the United Kingdom. Mann said the group views The Gambia as a natural extension of its regional strategy, driven by policy stability, investor openness, and business-friendly regulation.
“We are a diversified airline group with a number of airline ventures, including in London, and we really feel the need to take a closer look at The Gambia,” he said.
He further revealed that the company’s interest extends beyond a single route, noting that The Gambia is being assessed as a potential aviation hub, despite its relatively small size. According to him, investment decisions are driven by opportunity and regulatory clarity rather than geography alone.
“Please don’t judge the market by its size. We judge markets by potential. There are much bigger countries with less attraction to invest in, but for us, The Gambia is very attractive,” Mann said.
Reflecting on the investment climate, Mann admitted initial scepticism but said that direct engagement with policymakers and regulators quickly changed perceptions. He praised the country’s ease of doing business framework, describing it as practical rather than rhetorical.
“When we first came, we were sceptical. But when we sat down and saw the opportunities available, we were overwhelmed. When The Gambia talks about ease of doing business, they mean it,” he noted.
The launch of Gambia UK direct flights is expected to improve air access, stimulate tourism arrivals, facilitate cargo exports, and strengthen foreign direct investment flows. Industry observers believe the route could also enhance The Gambia’s profile as a competitive gateway for West African trade and aviation growth.
