Overland Airways launches Lagos-Freetown and Lagos-Banjul flights to boost trade, tourism, and regional integration.
Enhancing West African Connectivity
Overland Airways (site) has taken a bold step in advancing regional integration and accessibility within West Africa with the launch of new flight routes connecting Lagos, Nigeria, to Freetown, Sierra Leone, and Banjul, The Gambia. These routes mark a significant milestone in Overland Airways’ commitment to fostering stronger ties between West African nations and supporting the objectives of the African Union’s Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM) initiative.
SAATM, spearheaded by the African Union and the African Civil Aviation Commission, is designed to liberalize African airspace, enabling seamless connectivity and promoting socio-economic development across the continent. Capt. Edward Boyo, Chief Operating Officer of Overland Airways and SAATM Ambassador for West and Central Africa, highlighted the importance of these new routes during the launch.
“Today, Overland Airways presents itself under the African Union, the African Civil Aviation Commission, Single Air Transport Market program, which is a program designed to open the skies of Africa and raise the integration of African states,” Boyo said.
Driving Economic Growth Through Air Connectivity
The newly introduced Lagos-Freetown and Lagos-Banjul flights are strategically positioned to enhance economic activity in the region by providing efficient and reliable air links. These routes aim to facilitate trade, tourism, and cultural exchange between the countries, reducing barriers to intra-African mobility and fostering greater regional cooperation.
With a flight duration of just three hours and 30 minutes from Lagos to Banjul, the service offers a practical solution for business travelers and tourists alike. According to Boyo, this move is part of Overland Airways’ broader mission to make air travel accessible to more Africans.
“Air travel is currently, I would say, confined to the well-to-do. But we are trying to make air transport affordable and available for everybody so that the African continent can progress in economy, in trade, and in the integration of people,” Boyo stated.
Supporting Bilateral Cooperation
The launch ceremony in Banjul was attended by key government officials, industry stakeholders, and members of the diplomatic community, all of whom recognized the economic and social potential of these routes. Gambian Minister of Transport, Works and Infrastructure, Ebrima Sillah, spoke passionately about the significance of the new flights.
“The Ministry of Transport, Works and Infrastructure believes that establishing direct air links between Lagos and Banjul will greatly benefit the two sister countries, as it will enable greater movement of our people, which will lead to wider economic benefits and prosperity,” he said.
Minister Sillah also pledged his ministry’s support for Overland Airways and other potential investors in the Gambian aviation sector. “I wish to assure you of my ministry’s commitment to provide all necessary support to the airline and all those that are interested in establishing their industries in the Gambia, in the form of incentives, granting of rights and auto routes, as well as designation where necessary,” he added.
Promoting Regional Integration
Overland Airways’ expansion is a testament to its dedication to strengthening African connectivity. By addressing the gaps in regional travel infrastructure, the airline is helping to create a unified market that benefits economies and individuals alike. These efforts align with SAATM’s vision of an integrated African aviation network that drives economic growth, fosters cross-border collaboration, and creates opportunities for millions across the continent.
The introduction of these new routes is more than just an operational milestone—it is a leap toward unlocking the vast potential of Africa’s aviation industry. By connecting Lagos, Freetown, and Banjul, Overland Airways is paving the way for a more connected, prosperous, and united Africa.
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