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The All People’s Congress (APC) Parliamentary Leader, Abdul Kargbo, has categorically denied allegations made by Chief Minister Dr. David Moinina Sengeh, who claimed that he urged for the cessation of operations of “Air Sierra Leone” due to safety concerns.
In a recent interview, Kargbo refuted Sengeh’s claims, stating, “I never made such a statement about ‘Air Sierra Leone’ being removed from the airspace.”
He stressed that his engagement regarding air travel was not held at the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) parliament, as the Chief Minister suggested.
Instead, Kargbo clarified that the discussions took place during a decentralised meeting in Togo, aimed at addressing issues related to the high cost of flight tickets in the sub-region.
Kargbo expressed concern over the expensive nature of international travel compared to local flights. He highlighted the significant costs associated with flying from Lagos to Abuja, which he noted can reach $200 for a business class ticket for just a 50-minute journey. “When you leave here to travel to Nigeria or Ghana, you will pay more; it is too expensive,” he remarked.
Kargbo further pointed out that Senegal and The Gambia have signed agreements to treat flights between their countries as local travel, exempting them from international dues or taxes. This move aims to reduce travel costs and enhance regional connectivity.
Addressing the safety concerns linked to the airline, Kargbo mentioned a specific incident where the flight had to return shortly after takeoff due to a mechanical issue he described as a “bulb” fluctuation.
He stated, “I thought it fit that as a representative of my people, I should seek their interest. Anything that has to do with their well-being, their lives is my responsibility.”
