Air Sierra Leone Restores UK Direct Flights After 12-Year Hiatus

After a 12-year hiatus, direct air connectivity between the United Kingdom and Sierra Leone has officially been restored. Air Sierra Leone, in collaboration with Ascend Airways UK, has successfully launched its inaugural direct flight service from London Gatwick Airport to Freetown on June 16th, 2025, marking a significant milestone in the country’s aviation and economic development.

Air Sierra Leone will offer three weekly flights on the Gatwick–Freetown route. All flights will be operated by Ascend Airways-trained cockpit and cabin crew, with full maintenance carried out under the oversight of Ascend Airways in line with international safety standards.

Reflecting on this achievement, London Gatwick Airport officially announced on its LinkedIn page

“London Gatwick welcomed the first direct flight from the UK to Sierra Leone in over a decade, operated by Ascend Airways on behalf of the newly launched Air Sierra Leone.”

The flight, which arrived at Freetown International Airport on Tuesday June 17th, 2025, carried members of the Sierra Leonean diaspora in the UK as well as other international travelers. The restoration of this route is expected to play a vital role in enhancing mobility, strengthening bilateral relations, and stimulating tourism and trade between the two nations.

Ascend Airways, a UK-registered airline and subsidiary of Avia Solutions Group—the world’s largest ACMI (Aircraft, Crew, Maintenance, and Insurance) provider—operated the inaugural flight using its newest Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft (registration G-CRUX).

The aircraft offers improved fuel efficiency, reduced carbon emissions, and a significantly lower noise footprint, reinforcing the airline’s commitment to sustainable aviation practices.

The re-establishment of this direct link is anticipated to benefit various sectors, including tourism, commerce, and international cooperation. It also provides a more convenient travel option for the Sierra Leonean diaspora and business community based in the UK.

With flights departing from the South Terminal of London Gatwick Airport, this new service is poised to strengthen Sierra Leone’s position as a growing hub for travel and investment in the West African region.

Passengers on board

A Passenger’s Experience

While milestones are often told through press releases and statistics, the real measure of success is in the passenger experience — and one passenger’s detailed account paints a promising picture of Air Sierra Leone’s operational standards.

Among the first passengers to board the historic flight was Rakie Sesay, who shared a candid and compelling account of her journey on Facebook.

Rakie Sesay (R) and other passengers with a crew cabin member/ Rakie Sesay Facebook 

In a candid reflection,  she admitted she boarded with low expectations

“You know how we Sierra Leoneans can be, ‘Leh we wait en see, nor to me den for go use as guinea pig.’ But I’m happy to report that my experience… genuinely impressed me,” she wrote.

From the initial phone inquiry handled with patience and professionalism by a staff member named Edgar, to the smooth and courteous in-office booking process, her account highlighted a refreshing level of customer care.

Although there was a minor delay and a system glitch during check-in, she praised how staff members communicated clearly with each passenger and resolved the issue within 15 minutes.

“The part that truly surprised me was when one of the staff members came around and explained the situation to every single passenger… 8/10 for customer service,” she wrote.

On board, the flight experience exceeded expectations — from professional cabin crew to thoughtful in-flight service featuring local bottled water, hot meals, snacks, and timely drink service.

“The flight itself? Seamless… The landing? Smooth as butter.”

Despite noting that only 13 passengers were on board, she emphasized the unmatched convenience and potential of a direct Freetown–London route:

“No sprinting through Istanbul, no surprise overnight layovers in Casablanca. Just straight from Freetown to London. Beautiful.”

Her message to Air Sierra Leone was clear:

“Don’t just keep it up — step it up. You’ve started strong, and the bar has been set.”

The return of direct UK–Sierra Leone flights is more than symbolic — it is a strategic advancement with wide-reaching impacts on economic development, diaspora inclusion, and national pride.

As Sierra Leone reclaims its place on the global aviation map, this successful maiden flight marks just the beginning of what promises to be a transformative journey for the nation.

Air Sierra Leone in flight meal/ Rakie Sesay Facebook