Gambiaj.com – (Banjul, The Gambia) – Gambia International Airlines (GIA) is making a bold move to reestablish the nation’s presence in the skies, following years of absence. In a significant step toward finalizing a strategic partnership, GIA welcomed representatives from G1 Holdings, a UAE-based aviation company, on a three-day tour of facilities at the Banjul International Airport.

The visit is part of ongoing discussions to revive a Gambian national carrier, marking a decade since the country’s last registered flight operations. Between 2014 and 2015, a Mauritanian airline was designated as The Gambia’s national carrier, but since then, the nation has remained without a dedicated airline.

Managing Director of GIA, Numo K. Sanneh, highlighted the significance of the collaboration, expressing optimism about the partnership’s potential to transform the country’s aviation sector.

“Mainly, the purpose of the visit is the finalization of our partnership agreement for flight operations,” Sanneh stated. “As you may be aware, GIA has been out of the skies for decades, and our intention is to fulfill that mandate – to put us back into the skies.”

Sanneh detailed how the partnership would unlock numerous opportunities for The Gambia, including the utilization of state-of-the-art facilities such as ground support equipment and a modern cargo hub. The cargo flights, in particular, are expected to enhance the movement of goods between The Gambia and global markets, making Banjul International Airport a key travel and logistics hub in the region.

The partnership with G1 Holdings also promises to reduce airfares and make air travel more accessible to Gambians. “If you want to travel from The Gambia now, it is not easy. Sometimes, even within the sub-region, you have to go through various routes, taking significantly longer. With this national carrier, access would be easier, and fares would be cheaper. That means more Gambians will be able to travel at a lower cost,” Sanneh added.

During their tour, the G1 Holdings delegation visited critical facilities, including cargo handling areas, office spaces, and the airport terminal. They expressed satisfaction with the infrastructure, which Sanneh believes will pave the way for a successful partnership and revitalized flight operations.

According to GIA officials, this collaboration aims not only to restore The Gambia’s aviation identity but also to boost the nation’s economy by fostering trade, tourism, and connectivity. They explain that by reestablishing a Gambian national carrier, GIA hopes to position the Banjul International Airport as a strategic hub for travelers and goods within West Africa and beyond.