Overland Airways Launches New Regional Service to Freetown

Nigeria's Overland Airways will launch regional flights between Lagos, Nigeria and Freetown the capital city of Sierra Leone with effect from 19 December, 2024. This will be the airline’s second regional route after Cotonou in Benin Republic.

The new direct service will be operated three times a week - on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays - using a brand-new Embraer E175 jet. Flights depart Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos at 2:00 pm and arrive Freetown International Airport at 3:45 pm. All times are local.

Passengers on this service will benefit from the passenger-pleasing features of the Embraer E175 jet, including spacious cabin and a 2-2 configuration across all cabins with no middle seat, offering every passenger either a window or an aisle seat.

The launch of Lagos-Freetown route underscores Overland Airways’ unflinching commitment to regional integration, and will enhance regional connectivity, offering the travelling public greater convenience between Lagos and Freetown.

Speaking on the new service, the airline's Commercial and Corporate Risk Manager, Mrs. Aderonke Emmanuel-James, said “We are excited to expand our network to the West African coast and offer direct flight services to Freetown. Overland Airways remains committed to providing safe, reliable, and convenient air travel across West Africa, and this new service is a testament to that commitment.”

Reiterating that the new milestone positions Overland Airways as a partner in fostering economic growth and regional collaboration, Executive Director Mrs. Aduke Atiba said, “Sierra Leone is emerging as the next business and tourism destination in West Africa, and Overland Airways is pleased to support the government’s ambition to create a vibrant economy through an efficient air transport system.”

The Lagos-Freetown route will give a boost to the realisation of the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM) initiative to liberalize air travel and promote seamless connectivity across the continent.

According to Captain Edward Boyo, the Chief Executive Officer of Overland Airways, “Opening this new route aligns with SAATM’s objectives, and we are proud to lead initiatives that facilitate easier travel between African nations. Our commitment to enhancing connectivity reflects our vision of a well-connected Africa supported by a robust air transport system.”

Based in Lagos, Overland Airways is one of Nigeria's leading airlines. It currently operates flights to 9 destinations, including 8 domestic and one regional. Recently, the airline achieved its 5th consecutive renewal of the IATA Operational Safety Audit (IOSA) certification in October 2024.