Air Sierra Leone Announces Expansion to New Routes


Air Sierra Leone has announced the launch of new additional routes as part of activities marking its 1st Anniversary of flight operations.

The airline, starting February, will commence direct flights from The Gambia (BJL) to the United Kingdom (LGW), further strengthening connectivity between West Africa and the United Kingdom. In addition, it will also operate a new regional route from Freetown to Banjul, enhancing travel convenience within the sub-region.

This expansion reflects Air Sierra Leone’s commitment to providing reliable, efficient, and accessible air travel while supporting tourism, trade, and cultural exchange across key destinations.

Speaking on the milestone, Group Chief Operating Officer at XE Jet Limited (Technical Partner to Air Sierra Leone), Sukhjinder Mann, reaffirmed the airline’s dedication to continuous growth, customer satisfaction, and regional integration as the airline celebrates one year of successful operations.

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

“This new route will allow all year connectivity between the key cities of Banjul and London and will quicken travel time between these 2 key city pairs. The connection between Freetown and Banjul will further boost the connectivity in the West Africa region.

“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 increasing our network in the coming months.”

Passengers travelling to The Gambia can look forward to seamless connections, improved travel options, and the warm hospitality Air Sierra Leone is known for.




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Air Sierra Leone Announces Launch of Freetown-Lagos Route


Air Sierra Leone, a proud symbol of Sierra Leone’s resurgence, is excited to announce the launch of its scheduled Freetown-Lagos route.

Beginning January 22, 2025, this service will operate three times a week: Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, connecting Freetown to Lagos and establishing a critical link within the West African region.

The launch of the Freetown-Lagos route marks the first milestone in Air Sierra Leone’s ambitious regional route plan, which aims to enhance connectivity across the West African coast. This development underscores the airline’s commitment to fostering economic growth, strengthening regional ties, and creating seamless travel opportunities for its customers.

Speaking about this milestone, Edgard D.Lacle, General Manager of Air Sierra Leone, said: “The launch of our Freetown-Lagos route is a significant step forward in our mission to establish Air Sierra Leone as a bridge connecting Sierra Leone with the rest of Africa.

“This route not only symbolizes progress for our airline industry but also for Sierra Leone as we work to promote trade, tourism, and cultural exchange in the region. We are proud to offer our customers a reliable and comfortable travel experience, setting the standard for excellence in West African aviation.”

Passengers on the Freetown-Lagos route can expect world-class service, convenience, and a safe journey aboard Air Sierra Leone’s modern fleet. As the airline looks to expand its network, this new route exemplifies its dedication to becoming “Your Gateway to West Africa” and positioning Sierra Leone as a key hub in the region.

For bookings and more information, visit www.flysierraleone.com.

About Air Sierra Leone

Air Sierra Leone is a fresh, dynamic airline poised to redefine air travel within West Africa and beyond. Focusing on innovation, customer service, and reliability, we aim to provide an elevated travel experience for both leisure and business travellers.

Our brand embodies the spirit of Sierra Leone, bold, ambitious, and forward-looking. Our vision is to be recognized as West Africa’s premier airline, known for excellence in service, operational efficiency, and delivering memorable travel experiences.




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Air France’s Final Flight Leaves Sierra Leone as Operational Suspension Takes Effect


October 28th, 2023 marked the final day of Air France’s operations in Sierra Leone. The airline bid adieu with its last flight departing from Freetown International Airport, heading to Paris via Guinea Conakry. This departure came following the airline’s earlier announcement of the suspension of its services at FNA due to persistently low passenger numbers, resulting in substantial financial losses.

For over two decades, Air France has been a prominent contributor to Sierra Leone’s tourism and aviation sector, aiding the government in job creation and bolstering the country’s revenue through tax payments. However, the dwindling profitability rendered the continuation of operations unviable, causing the regrettable cessation of services.

This development has significantly impacted Sierra Leone, particularly amidst the recent inauguration of the country’s state-of-the-art airport. The absence of Air France not only stands as a substantial loss but also raises concerns about reduced competition among the limited airlines operating within the nation.

The reduced competition might precipitate higher ticket prices for passengers traveling in and out of Freetown International Airport. This increase in costs could potentially burden travelers, posing a concern for the accessibility and affordability of air travel in and out of Sierra Leone.

The discontinuation of Air France’s services is a setback for the nation’s aviation industry, casting a shadow over the immediate future of air travel within Sierra Leone. As the country navigates this change, stakeholders are left contemplating the impact on both the economy and the ease of travel for its citizens and visitors.




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Sierra Leone Civil Aviation Authority Addresses Rising Air Ticket Prices


During the Ministry of Information and Civic Education’s Press Conference on October 24, 2023, the Director General of the Sierra Leone Civil Aviation Authority, Musayeroh Barrie, addressed the pressing issue of escalating air ticket prices.

Barrie highlighted several key factors contributing to the surge in ticket costs, shedding light on the challenges faced by both passengers and the government.

In her statement, Barrie emphasized that the increase in air ticket prices can be attributed to a combination of factors, including passenger volumes, reduced airline options, and the relentless impact of inflation.

In her words, “passenger volumes, fewer airlines, and inflation are among the factors that influence air tickets.”

She disclosed her own firsthand experience, having purchased a ticket from Freetown to London on the same day, October 24, 2023, at a cost of $1871. Of this sum, only $139 constituted government taxes, underlining that the vast majority of the ticket price is beyond the government’s regulatory influence.

This revelation underscores the complexities surrounding the air travel industry, where external factors play a significant role in determining the final cost of tickets.

As passengers grapple with rising expenses, Director General Musayeroh Barrie’s statement brings attention to the challenges faced by governments and regulatory bodies in managing airfare costs, striving to strike a balance between affordability and maintaining a sustainable aviation sector.




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