Summary: Air Sierra Leone will launch nonstop flights between Freetown (FNA) and Banjul (BJL) and a new Banjul–London Gatwick (LGW) service in 2026, boosting regional and Europe connectivity for Sierra Leone and The Gambia.

Sierra Leone flights 2026 are set to change the country’s air links as Air Sierra Leone rolls out new nonstop services that connect Freetown directly to Banjul and establish a Banjul–London Gatwick connection. The moves form part of the carrier’s broader plan to strengthen West African routes and open direct access to a major European hub.

Freetown to Banjul: A New Regional Link

Air Sierra Leone will introduce a nonstop service between Lungi International Airport (FNA) in Freetown and Banjul International Airport (BJL) in The Gambia. The direct route aims to shorten travel times and improve convenience for passengers travelling between these West African capitals for business, leisure and cultural exchange.

Banjul to London Gatwick: Direct Access to Europe

Alongside the regional link, the carrier will begin operating a Banjul–London Gatwick (LGW) service in 2026. This route will offer a direct connection between The Gambia and one of the UK’s major airports, simplifying travel for West African nationals, diaspora communities and visitors without the need for circuitous stopovers in other European cities.

  • Route 1: Lungi International Airport (FNA) — Banjul International Airport (BJL) — nonstop
  • Route 2: Banjul International Airport (BJL) — London Gatwick (LGW) — direct service
  • Launch window: Scheduled for 2026 as part of Air Sierra Leone’s network expansion
Passengers boarding a regional aircraft at Lungi International Airport, showing routes to Banjul and London Gatwick
Air Sierra Leone plans to link Freetown and Banjul directly and to add a Banjul–London Gatwick service in 2026

Strengthening Regional and International Connectivity

Together, the Freetown–Banjul and Banjul–London Gatwick services position Air Sierra Leone to play a larger role in West African aviation. By linking regional hubs and opening a direct bridge to the UK, the airline aims to facilitate passenger movement, encourage tourism, and support trade flows between Sierra Leone, The Gambia and Europe.

The new Freetown–Banjul service is also expected to ease commercial ties, particularly in sectors such as agriculture, mining and services, by providing quicker logistics and business travel options that may help expand cross-border collaboration.

What This Means for Air Sierra Leone and the Region

  • Improved regional mobility: Shorter, nonstop connections between capitals.
  • Better access to Europe: Direct link via London Gatwick reduces travel time for the diaspora and visitors.
  • Economic boost: Easier travel can support tourism, trade and investment across the region.
  • Brand positioning: Air Sierra Leone strengthens its role in West African route networks.

These route additions are described as the start of a broader growth phase for Sierra Leone’s aviation sector. As Air Sierra Leone expands its network and fleet, travellers should expect more destination choices and smoother connections through key regional and international hubs.

Why This Matters to Travellers and the Industry

For passengers, these services mean fewer connections, reduced travel time and more straightforward itineraries between Sierra Leone, The Gambia and the UK. For the aviation and tourism industries, the routes could stimulate demand, support business travel and create new opportunities for carriers and airports in the region.

So what? The introduction of nonstop Freetown–Banjul flights and a direct Banjul–London Gatwick link in 2026 will make travel to and from Sierra Leone more accessible, strengthen regional ties and provide a clearer pathway to Europe for passengers and businesses — a meaningful step for West African connectivity.