Air Sierra Leone (SXE), the virtual flag carrier based in Freetown, is in “advanced” discussions with three potential aircraft suppliers to restore the fifth-freedom service between Freetown and London Gatwick via Banjul in late May or early June 2026.. According to the carrier’s statement, regulatory procedures are underway with civil aviation authorities in Sierra Leone, Gambia, and the United Kingdom, and any restart is contingent on final approvals and operational readiness.
The start-up halted operations on April 30 due to technical partner Ascend Airways losing its UK air operator’s certificate (AOC) and returning its aircraft to lessors. Since mid-February 2026, Air Sierra Leone has been using a 189-seat all-economy Boeing 737-8 chartered from Ascend to operate the Gatwick link. The route, operated under fifth-freedom rights via Banjul, aims to reduce seasonality in the Freetown-Gatwick market, maintain year-round services, and improve aircraft utilisation during the low season.
Ascend had previously sub-chartered an A321-200NX(LR) from Titan Airways for the launch of the direct Gatwick service in June 2025 when an Ascend aircraft was unavailable. Air Sierra Leone is owned by Nigeria’s Xejet (4U, Lagos) and is currently working with the Sierra Leone Civil Aviation Authority to finalise its own AOC. The carrier stated that the timeline for resuming flights will be determined by completing regulatory clearances and securing confirmed aircraft availability.
