Overland Airways Begins Lagos-Freetown Flights, To Complete West Africa’s Connections 2025

Overland Airways, Nigeria’s most consistent domestic airline has commenced a project of connecting the entire West Africa by end of 2025, with yesterday’s flag-off of thrice weekly operations between Lagos, Nigeria and Freetown, Sierra Leone.

Speaking at a welcome reception held on arrival at Freetown International Airport, Chief Executive Officer of Overland Airways, Capt. Edward Boyo said the flight being operated with state-of-the-art Embraer 175, which will carry 88 passengers made up of 64 and 24 passengers in two classes, will be flying directly from Lagos to Freetown on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, adding that this frequency would be increased to daily flights later.

Boyo explained that Overland Airways has six Embraer 175 jets with which it intends to connect Banjul, Monrovia, Guinea Bissau, Guinea Conakry, Dakar, Ghana, Ivory Coast and other route networks before end of 2025, after which other sub-regions in Africa would be connected by the airline. He said that “you can now leave Lagos, Nigeria and be in Freetown, Sierra Leone between sunrise and sunset.”

“We are not coming here just as airline. We are coming here as investors,” he said, stating that Overland Airways has been IOSA Certified for over a decade.

Boyo further noted that operating Lagos-Freetown network was a fulfillment of the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM) initiative.

“We in the airline are trying to unify the rules and regulations that divide us. We are here to make a unified system where you can travel from one part of Africa to another in comfort. Sierra Leone has shown that they are open for business,” Capt Boyo said.

He expressed gratitude to the President of Sierra Leone, His Excellency, Brigadier General (rtd) Dr. Julius Maada Bio and his cabinet, FIA operators, Ground Handling companies, Rescue and Fire Fighting Service for their support and other stakeholders.

The aircraft departed the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos at about 3:20pm and touched down at the Freetown International Airport (FIA) in Freetown, Sierra Leone at about 6:17pm Thursday evening, with water Canon Salute by the Freetown International Airport Rescue and Fire Fighting Service.

In her speech to welcome Overland Airways, Director General of Sierra Leone Civil Aviation Authority (SLCAA), Mrs. Musayeroh Barrie commended the airline, stating that Overland’s entrance into Sierra Leone was a significant milestone in the growth of the aviation sector.

She said the new network between Nigeria and Sierra Leone would not only provide choices but would also enhance tourism, trade and investments, adding that the partnership will bring about job creation and investments in training.

“I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the management of Overland Airways. We look forward to working with you. Together, we are shaping a future where aviation plays a prominent role and encourage investors and promote investments”, she said.

Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, Kwame Yaukson said they were happy for Overland coming to Sierra Leone because their interest is in the numbers and that with Overland, their numbers have increased.

Advising the airline management, Yaukson added “It is not just about having a flight but it has to be reliable and safe which is very important in aviation. Be sure you respect time and avoid delays, cancellations except it is very necessary”.

In his remark, Nigeria’s Ambassador to Sierra Leone, Ambassador, Frank Azueke stated that the Lagos-Freetown route network is not just about connecting two cities but about connecting minds and hearts.

With the launch, Ambassador Azueke assured that it would ease the burden of travellers going to Nigeria and also eliminate complicated and long duration journeys along the route.

“This is a testament to progress outlook of Sierra Leone. It also speaks volumes of the foresight of Sierra Leone”, the Ambassador said.

Also, the Minister of Transport and Aviation, Ambassador Alhaji Fanday Turay commended Overland Airways, assuring that the government and people of Sierra Leone welcomed Overland.

Ambassador Turay who was represented by Senior Technical Advisor to the Minister, Dr. Albert Forde noted that bilateral relations in all its forms and colours between Nigeria and Sierra Leone, “is as constant as the northern star.” Applauding Overland’s decision to serve Lagos-Freetown and other route networks, he said Sierra Leone’s tourism potentials are yet untapped.

The inaugural flight manned by Capt Almir Suman had former Acting Director General of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Engr. Benedict Adeyileka, NCAA officials, journalists, celebrities amongst others on board.

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