Gambiaj.com – (BANJUL, The Gambia) – Banjul is set to play a growing role in West Africa’s air connectivity following Air Sierra Leone’s announcement of new international and regional routes linking The Gambia directly to the United Kingdom and Sierra Leone.
As part of activities marking its first anniversary of flight operations, Air Sierra Leone disclosed on January 26, 2026, that it will commence direct flights from Banjul International Airport to London Gatwick, alongside a new Freetown–Banjul service scheduled to begin in February.
The expansion positions Banjul as a strategic gateway connecting West Africa to Europe and strengthening intra-regional travel.
According to Sukhjinder Mann, Group Chief Operating Officer of XE Jet Limited, the airline’s technical partner, the Banjul–London route is designed to improve air connectivity between West Africa and the United Kingdom while significantly reducing travel times.
“Our goal is to provide more efficient and reliable travel options between West Africa and the UK,” Mann said, noting that the new service will offer year-round connectivity between Banjul and London.
In addition to the transatlantic link, the introduction of a direct Freetown–Banjul route is expected to deepen regional integration by facilitating easier movement of people, goods, and services between Sierra Leone and The Gambia.
The airline said the route will support trade, tourism, and people-to-people exchanges, further enhancing Banjul’s profile as a regional aviation hub.
Mann acknowledged the role of Gambian authorities in enabling the expansion, expressing gratitude to the governments of The Gambia and the United Kingdom for their support.
“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,” he said.
He added that within just a year of launching operations, Air Sierra Leone has established itself on the global aviation stage and plans to further expand its network in the coming months.
Air Sierra Leone was officially introduced by Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Transport in October 2024, with initial operations beginning in early December that year.
Full commercial services, particularly on the London route, commenced in June 2025. Since then, the airline says it has recorded steady growth and rising passenger confidence.
Passengers on the new routes, the carrier said, can expect seamless connections through Banjul and the hospitality standards the airline has become known for.
The latest expansion is expected not only to strengthen Sierra Leone’s international air links but also to reinforce Banjul’s role as a key aviation and transit point in West Africa, boosting tourism, trade, and connectivity between the sub-region and Europe.
