Overland Airways has announced its latest milestone: the launch of direct flights to Freetown. Beginning December 19, 2024, this service will enhance regional connectivity, providing greater convenience to passengers traveling between Lagos (LOS), Nigeria, and Freetown, Sierra Leone (FNA). The Lagos-Freetown-Lagos route, operated three times weekly, underscores Overland Airways’ commitment to regional integration and customer satisfaction. Passengers will benefit from the comfort of the airline’s brand-new Embraer E175 jets, marking another step in its evolution as a premier West African carrier.
With flights departing Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday at 2:00 PM, travelers from across Nigeria can seamlessly connect to Sierra Leone. The journey concludes at Freetown International Airport (FIA) by 3:45 PM, reducing travel time significantly. This development is expected to bolster trade, tourism, and cultural exchanges between the two nations. Highlighting the airline’s strategic vision, Mrs. Aderonke Emmanuel-James, Commercial and Corporate Risk Manager, remarked, “We are excited to expand our network to the West African coast and offer direct flight services to Freetown. Overland Airways remains committed to providing safe, reliable, and convenient air travel across West Africa, and this new service is a testament to that commitment.”
The introduction of the Lagos-Freetown route builds on Overland Airways’ history of growth and operational excellence. In August 2024, the airline launched direct flights between Lagos and Abuja, strengthening domestic travel options. Shortly thereafter, it achieved its fifth consecutive renewal of the IATA Operational Safety Audit (IOSA) certification in October 2024. These milestones highlight the airline’s focus on quality, reliability, and innovation. Expanding its service offering from an all-turboprop fleet to include modern Embraer E175 jets, Overland Airways continues to meet the evolving demands of its passengers.
Reflecting on the importance of this expansion, Executive Director Mrs. Aduke Atiba said, “Sierra Leone is emerging as the next business and tourism destination in West Africa, and Overland Airways is pleased to support the government’s ambition to create a vibrant economy through an efficient air transport system.” She emphasized that this new route positions Overland Airways as a partner in fostering economic growth and regional collaboration.
Furthermore, the Lagos-Freetown route aligns with the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM) initiative to liberalize air travel and improve connectivity across the continent. Captain Boyo, Chief Executive Officer of Overland Airways, added, “Opening this new route aligns with SAATM’s objectives, and we are proud to lead initiatives that facilitate easier travel between African nations. Our commitment to enhancing connectivity reflects our vision of a well-connected Africa supported by a robust air transport system.”
The introduction of direct flights to Freetown reinforces Overland Airways’ standing as a leader in regional aviation. By leveraging cutting-edge aircraft and prioritizing passenger needs, the airline continues to shape the future of West African air travel.
