By Amin Kef (Ranger)
In a historic achievement for Sierra Leone’s aviation sector, the Sierra Leone Civil Aviation Authority (SLCAA) and Air Sierra Leone jointly hosted a press conference on Saturday, April 26, 2025, at Lungi International Airport to celebrate the launch of Air Sierra Leone’s inaugural direct flight to London.
This milestone, the result of strong collaboration between the two institutions, reaffirms the government’s commitment to expanding Sierra Leone’s global connectivity through aviation.
Addressing the gathering, Chief Minister Dr. David Moinina Sengeh expressed immense pride in the successful launch, commending the teamwork among ministries, regulatory bodies, and international partners. Dr. Sengeh emphasized the critical role that sound policy frameworks and infrastructure development play in advancing President Julius Maada Bio’s vision for national progress.
He highlighted partnerships with organizations such as the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and the African Civil Aviation Network, crediting them with enhancing aviation security and attracting more airlines to Sierra Leone’s airspace. Dr. Sengeh assured investors and partners of the government’s unwavering commitment to transparency and due diligence.
“This flight is more than a connection to London; it symbolizes Sierra Leone’s aspirations to become a middle-income country,” he concluded.
Also speaking, Minister of Transport and Aviation, Rtd. Col. Alhaji Fanday Turay Esq, shared an emotional reflection on witnessing the images of the inaugural flight, noting that many had once doubted such a day would come. He praised President Bio’s leadership and the collective determination that turned the vision into reality.
Highlighting rapid growth in the sector, the Minister noted that within a year, three new airlines had entered Sierra Leone, culminating in the launch of the direct six-hour flight to the United Kingdom. He emphasized that this achievement transcends aviation, signaling Sierra Leone’s renewed ambition to strengthen international ties and spur economic growth.
He also lauded the professionalism and dedication of Air Sierra Leone’s CEO, Emmanuel Iza, and SLCAA Director General, Madam Musayeroh Barrie, vowing continued efforts to expand direct flights to more global destinations.
Minister of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, Nabeela Farida Tunis, also expressed her excitement at the launch, highlighting the collaboration between her Ministry and the Ministry of Transport. She announced plans to partner with tour operators and travel agencies to create attractive travel packages, and emphasized a more aggressive marketing push to promote Sierra Leone’s rich culture and natural beauty to international tourists.
Adefunke Adeyemi, Secretary General of the African Civil Aviation Commission (AFCAC), praised Sierra Leone’s achievement, commending the country’s adherence to international standards.
“The establishment of this route is not just about travel; it is about connecting people, promoting trade, and improving livelihoods across the region,” she said.
Air Sierra Leone’s CEO, Emmanuel Iza, recounted the challenges faced in launching the route, noting moments of doubt when the project seemed impossible. He credited the team’s perseverance and government support for the successful launch, encouraging the public to take pride in the achievement and assuring them of affordable, high-quality service.
“This is just the beginning for Air Sierra Leone,” he stated, affectionately referring to the airline as “Fly Salone.”
SLCAA Director General Madam Musayeroh Barrie closed the press conference with heartfelt gratitude to all partners. She thanked the Minister of Transport for his crucial support and emphasized the importance of cross-sector collaboration in achieving Sierra Leone’s historic aviation milestone.
“Today marks not just the beginning of a new route, but the dawn of new possibilities for Sierra Leone’s place on the global stage,” she declared.
The launch of Air Sierra Leone’s Lungi-London direct route is being hailed as a transformative step for the country’s aviation sector, poised to boost tourism, trade, and investment. It also reflects the power of public-private partnerships in driving national development.
In a related development, Air Sierra Leone’s inaugural return flight successfully landed at London Gatwick Airport on Sunday, April 27, 2025, at exactly 3:45 PM UK time. Among the distinguished passengers were Minister of Transport and Aviation Rtd. Col. Alhaji Fanday Turay Esq and SLCAA Director General Madam Musayeroh Barrie.
The Boeing 737-8 Max aircraft departed Lungi International Airport on schedule, further strengthening ties between Sierra Leone and the United Kingdom. The atmosphere at Gatwick was electric as passengers disembarked to a warm reception, greeted by cheers and the waving of Sierra Leonean and British flags—a vibrant celebration of renewed connectivity.
A special reception was held at the Sofitel London Gatwick North Terminal to honor business leaders, diaspora members, and tourists aboard the landmark flight. Meanwhile, festive celebrations had earlier welcomed the inaugural inbound flight from London to Freetown.
Air Sierra Leone’s London–Freetown route will operate three times weekly, with flights departing Gatwick on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays at 11:00 PM, arriving in Freetown at 5:00 AM. Return flights will depart Lungi International Airport on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays at 9:00 AM, arriving back at Gatwick by 3:00 PM.
The management of Air Sierra Leone hailed the successful return as a testament to the airline’s commitment to providing safe, reliable, and pride-driven air travel between Sierra Leone and Europe ushering in a new era for the country’s aviation landscape.
