By Emma Black

In a proud moment for Sierra Leone’s aviation history, Air Sierra Leone made its first direct flight from Gatwick International Airport in London to Freetown International Airport on Saturday, 26th April 2025, around 4:00 a.m. UK time.

The airline’s Boeing 737 Max8 carried members of the Sierra Leonean community living in the UK, along with other international guests, straight to Freetown. This flight marks the first direct link between Sierra Leone and the United Kingdom after more than ten years. It is a big step that puts Sierra Leone back on the world aviation map.

Air Sierra Leone, which is now the country’s national airline, first started flying in January 2025 with flights between Freetown and Lagos, Nigeria. Now, with the opening of the London Freetown route, the airline is showing real growth and helping to connect Sierra Leone more strongly with the rest of the world.

Many of these successes are thanks to the strong leadership of the Sierra Leone Civil Aviation Authority (SLCAA), headed by Director General Madam Musayeroh Barrie, over the past year, the SLCAA has worked hard to improve flight safety, train more workers, and build strong relationships with international partners. Because of their efforts, Sierra Leone is now becoming an important hub in regional and global air travel.

With good planning and leadership, Sierra Leone is opening new doors for business, jobs, and economic growth. The success of Air Sierra Leone’s direct flight to the UK is not only a win for the airline but a proud achievement for the whole country. It shows that Sierra Leone is ready for a brighter future and stronger connections with the world.