Air Sierra Leone Opens Lagos-Freetown Direct Flight Route

After a 15-year hiatus, Air Sierra Leone marked a historic milestone on Wednesday by successfully launching its inaugural direct flight from Freetown to Lagos. This monumental achievement signals a new era of connectivity, progress, and hope for Sierra Leone and its national carrier.

Speaking at the launch event, Air Sierra Leone’s Chief Executive Officer, Emmanuel Iza, described the occasion as a “rebirth of a national icon.” He stated, “This day is more than just the launch of an airline; it is the rebirth of a national symbol. After 15 years, the Sierra Leonean flag soars once again, embodying hope, progress, and resilience.”

Founded with the vision of connecting Sierra Leone to the world, Air Sierra Leone aims to inspire pride in the nation’s heritage and create transformative opportunities for its people. The inaugural flight, which landed at Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos, represents the beginning of this ambitious journey.

Iza expressed gratitude to the Air Sierra Leone team, government officials, aviation authorities, and partners for their unwavering support in making the airline’s comeback a reality. He assured that the airline is committed to offering world-class service that reflects the warmth and hospitality of Sierra Leone, serving as an ambassador of the nation’s culture, values, and aspirations.

“Air Sierra Leone is poised to grow, connect, and inspire. Together, we will soar higher and achieve greater heights,” Iza said. “This milestone celebrates our resilience and ambition as a nation.”

Air Sierra Leone’s General Manager, Edgard Lacle, also highlighted the operational details and strategic goals of the airline. He revealed that XEJET is supplying three Embraer 145 aircraft, each with a capacity of 50 passengers, to Air Sierra Leone. The inaugural flight carried 36 passengers, indicating a promising start.

The airline will operate flights three times a week—on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays—between Freetown and Lagos. This route has recently become more competitive, with a Nigerian airline also offering twice-weekly flights between the two cities.

Discussing the market’s potential, Lacle emphasized the strong trade ties between Sierra Leone and Nigeria, along with tourism and family connections, as key drivers of passenger demand. “Trade is the primary driver, followed by tourism and family connections. Many Nigerians have longstanding ties with Sierra Leone, including intermarriages,” Lacle explained.

To align with market dynamics, the airline strategically chose the Embraer 145, a smaller aircraft optimized for passenger movement and operational efficiency. “This aircraft is perfectly suited to our market. It ensures optimal load factors while matching passenger movement,” Lacle added, expressing optimism about Air Sierra Leone’s future.

As Sierra Leone’s national carrier takes flight again, it aims to strengthen trade, foster cultural exchange, and reconnect communities, solidifying its position as a key player in West Africa’s aviation industry.