Air Sierra Leone’s Inaugural Direct Flight From UK to Land in Freetown
Sorie Abubakar Air Sierra Leone’s Boeing 737 Max 8 flight is expected to land at the Freetown International Airport this weekend after departing the UK’s Gatwick International Airport on Saturday morning.
The historic trip ushered in Sierra Leonean passengers from the UK and other International guests. This is the first time a Sierra Leonean carrier has made this feat since Fly Salone made a similar trip in December, 2015.
This long-anticipated milestone ends more than a decade of absence for Sierra Leone in international air travel, signaling an important comeback for the nation’s aviation industry. Emotions ran high among passengers and supporters, who hailed the event as the beginning of a new chapter for connectivity between Sierra Leone and the rest of the world.
“Today, we celebrate not just a flight, but the restoration of hope, opportunity, and national pride,” one jubilant passenger shared before boarding.
Air Sierra Leone’s revival has been widely welcomed, with many praising the government, stakeholders, and the broader Sierra Leonean community for making the dream a reality.
Air Sierra Leone is one of the very flights that operate a direct UK-Sierra Leone trip since the Britiah Midlands International (BMI) Heathrow International Airport to Freetown International Airport route was discontinued in late 2012.
As the 737 Max 8 soared into the early morning sky, it carried with it the aspirations of a nation ready to reestablish its place on the global stage.
Bravo Air Sierra Leone