Overland Airways Launches Direct Flights from Lagos to Freetown
Overland Airways is excited to announce the launch of direct flights from Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) in Lagos to Freetown International Airport in Sierra Leone. The new service is set to begin in December 2024 and will operate three times a week using the airline’s newly acquired Embraer 175 jet.
The Embraer 175 is a modern dual-class aircraft with a capacity for 88 passengers, featuring comfortable premium seats with ample legroom, alongside standard economy seating. According to the airline's announcement, this new Lagos-Freetown-Lagos (LOS-FNA-LOS) route will provide travelers with enhanced connectivity and convenience. Mrs. Aderonke Emmanuel-James, the Commercial and Corporate Risk Manager at Overland, emphasized that this new route will bring Sierra Leone closer to Lagos.
Flights will be
scheduled to depart from MMIA every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday at 2:00 p.m., allowing easy access for travelers from Abuja and other Nigerian cities. The aircraft is expected to arrive at Freetown International Airport (FIA) by 3:45 p.m..
Emmanuel-James
expressed confidence that this new service will promote regional trade,
tourism, and cultural exchanges between Nigeria and Sierra Leone. She
stated, “We are thrilled to extend our network to the West African coast
and provide direct flights to Freetown. Overland Airways is dedicated
to ensuring safe, reliable, and convenient air travel across West
Africa, and this new route exemplifies that commitment.”
She
added that the service would simplify travel for both business and
leisure passengers and strengthen the existing ties between the two
nations, significantly reducing travel time for those on the
Lagos-Freetown route.
Mrs. Aduke Atiba, Executive Director of Overland Airways, described Sierra Leone as a rising destination for business and tourism in West Africa, noting the airline’s pleasure in supporting the Sierra Leonean government’s efforts to cultivate a dynamic economy backed by an effective air transport system. Capt. Edward Boyo, CEO of Overland Airways, highlighted that the launch of this route aligns with the goals of the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM), aimed at liberalizing air transport services and enhancing connectivity across Africa. He remarked, “Overland Airways takes pride in leading this initiative, which facilitates easier travel between African nations.” Overland Airways has evolved its service offerings from an all-turboprop fleet to a mixed fleet, including the state-of-the-art Embraer 175 jets. In August 2024, as part of its strategic expansion, the airline began direct flight operations between Lagos and Abuja and successfully renewed its International Operational Safety Audit (IOSA) certification for the fifth consecutive year in October 2024.
