Air Sierra Leone Announces Expansion to New Routes

Air Sierra Leone has announced the launch of new international and regional routes as part of activities to celebrate its first anniversary of flight operations, with direct services from The Gambia to the United Kingdom and a new Freetown–Banjul route set to begin in February, the airline announced on January 26th, 2026.

Direct Banjul–London Flights to Begin in February

Image: Air Sierra Leone Official Graphic Announcement of New Route

According to Sukhjinder Mann, Group Chief Operating Officer at XE Jet Limited, the technical partner to Air Sierra Leone, the airline will commence direct flights from Banjul International Airport to London Gatwick Airport.

Mann said they want to improve air connectivity between West Africa and the United Kingdom. 

The new route, according to Mann, is expected to shorten travel times and provide passengers with more efficient travel options between the two destinations.

New Freetown–Banjul Route to Boost Regional Travel

Image: Air Sierra Leone

Air Sierra Leone will also introduce a direct Freetown–Banjul service, strengthening regional connectivity within West Africa and supporting trade, tourism, and people-to-people exchange between Sierra Leone and The Gambia.

Airline Reaffirms Commitment to Growth and Connectivity

Image: Group Chief Operating Officer, XE Jet Limited, Mr Sukhjinder Mann, technical partners to Air Sierra Leone, pictured with Mr Usman Touray, the first passenger on board the airline’s Freetown-UK flight in September 2025

Speaking on the expansion, Sukhjinder Mann said the new routes reflect the airline’s commitment to continuous growth and regional integration.

“We are extremely grateful to the governments of the United Kingdom and The Gambia for believing in our vision, understanding our business model, and supporting our commitment to increasing connectivity between Africa and European markets,” Mann said.

He added that the Banjul–London service would provide year-round connectivity between the two cities, while the Freetown–Banjul route would enhance regional travel efficiency.

“Within a year of launching flight operations, Air Sierra Leone is now firmly embedded on the global aviation stage, and we will look to further increase our network in the coming months,” he said.

Expansion Marks One Year of Operations

Image: Air Sierra Leone Official Press Release

The announcement comes as Air Sierra Leone marks its first anniversary of flight operations in June 2025.

Air Sierra Leone was officially introduced by the Ministry of Transport in October 2024, with initial operations starting around December 2, 2024, and full commercial services (specifically on the London route) beginning in June 2025.

Since then, the airline has received steady growth and increasing passenger confidence. 

The carrier said passengers travelling on the new routes can expect seamless connections and the hospitality standards the airline has become known for.

The expansion is expected to strengthen Sierra Leone’s air connectivity, support tourism development, and enhance trade links between West Africa and Europe.