Barely three months after the successful debut of its maiden flight between Freetown and Lagos, *Air Sierra Leone* yesterday proudly launched its direct flight operations between Freetown and London — a major milestone coinciding with Sierra Leone’s 64th Independence Anniversary.
The *Boeing 737-8 Max*, a 189-seater jet scheduled to operate the UK route three times a week, touched down at London’s Gatwick from Lungi International Airport at exactly 3:52 PM.
Full commercial services on the London–Freetown route are set to commence on *Monday, June 16, 2025*, with tickets to be made available via the airline’s website (www.flysierraleone.com), the *Head Office at 21/23 Siaka Stevens Street, Freetown*, or through *authorized agents* worldwide.
To mark yesterday’s achievement, a special event was held at the *Sofitel Hotel in Gatwick*, bringing together business leaders, tourism experts, members of the Sierra Leonean diaspora and other potential travellers.
*Fittingly, the launch fell on Sierra Leone’s Independence Day* — a day of immense national pride, marking the country’s declaration of sovereignty in 1961. For Sierra Leoneans in the United Kingdom, the day held double significance, celebrating both national freedom and the rebirth of a national carrier linking London to Freetown.
The return of a Sierra Leonean airline to the skies after a two-decade hiatus is a proud chapter in the nation’s story.
Alhaji Fanday Turay Esq., Minister of Transport and Aviation, described the Boeing’s touchdown at Gatwick as “more than a landing”, referring to it as another signal demonstrating that “Sierra Leone has arrived on the global stage.” He thanked H.E. President Julius Maada Bio for his inspiring vision and acknowledged key figures like Madam Musayeroh Barrie, Director of the Sierra Leone Civil Aviation Authority. He also thanked all the players in different sectors for their dedication and teamwork.
Adding to the evening’s optimism, Dr. Morie Komba Manyeh, Sierra Leone’s High Commissioner to the U.K., spoke of the profound benefits the new air connection will bring: quicker family reunions, increased tourism, local job creation, and a boost for industries including hospitality and transportation. He hailed the airline’s revival as a powerful symbol of Sierra Leone’s resurgence and readiness for business.
Mr. Emmanuel Iza, CEO of Air Sierra Leone, emphasized that the airline’s launch was “a declaration that Sierra Leone’s story is being written anew,” describing Air Sierra Leone as “a Wing of Hope” and the London–Freetown route as “a bridge connecting our people and our aspirations.”
The direct air link between Sierra Leone and the United Kingdom is imore than a flight, indeed; it represents a leap forward for national development, global connectivity, and the rekindling of Sierra Leonean pride on the world stage.
Despite the packed schedule — with many guests flying from London to Freetown and back to London, — the evening ended in very high spirits with jubilant dance performances. Among those who took to the stage to honour this national achievement were Minister Alhaji Fanday Turay Esq., Director Musayeroh Barrie, CEO Emmanuel Iza, Rev. Dr. Peter Moriba, Hon. Bashiru Sidique, High Commissioner Dr. Morie Komba Manyeh, and Deputy High Commissioner Mrs. Yvonne King Odigboh.
Their lively celebration was a fitting tribute to the resilience, collaboration, and national pride behind this historic milestone.
Happy 64th Independence Anniversary to all Sierra Leoneans!
Congratulations to the Air Sierra Leone Team— and to Sierra Leone!
#WeTooFly!
Abdulai Braima
Information Attaché