The carrier could launch operations as early as October.
A Bombardier CRJ Series aircraft departs Düsseldorf. (Photo: AirlineGeeks Fabian Behr)
U.K.-based airline Zuri Sky has announced plans to launch flights between London Gatwick and Freetown, Sierra Leone, starting in October 2025.
In a February 24 press release, Zuri Sky emphasized its commitment to providing a seamless travel experience for Sierra Leoneans, U.K. travelers, and international passengers. The airline is inviting potential travelers to subscribe to its website for exclusive updates and a 10% introductory discount on their first booking once ticket sales open.
“Having operated this route successfully before, I am delighted to once again be part of a credible organization to operate this flight,” said Robert Blick, Chairman of Zuri Sky, in the release. “We will be fully transparent and provide regular updates to our subscribers.” The London-based CEO of Zuri Sky highlighted the airline’s mission: “This is about much more than flights; it’s about building a bridge: we are the People’s Airline.”
The airline has not provided details about its agreements with the U.K.’s Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) or Sierra Leone’s aviation authorities, nor its certification status. Furthermore, the Sierra Leone Civil Aviation Authority (SLCAA) has stated that it is yet to receive a formal application from Zuri Sky for operating flights to Freetown. The frequency of the proposed flights has also not been disclosed.
British Airways operated non-stop flights between London Heathrow and Freetown until August 2014, when it suspended the route due to the Ebola outbreak in West Africa. This suspension marked a significant gap in U.K.-Sierra Leone connectivity, with BA citing safety and commercial viability concerns at the time.
Meanwhile, Sierra Leone has been working on launching its own private airline, Air Sierra Leone (ASL). Initially set to begin operations on December 2, 2024, with flights between Freetown and London Gatwick using a chartered Boeing 737 MAX 8 from Ascend Airways, ASL faced regulatory hurdles. Delays in obtaining approval from the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA-UK) prevented ticket sales under its name, postponing the airline’s launch.
Following the setback, ASL finally took to the skies on January 22, 2025, operating under the Air Operator’s Certificate (AOC) of its parent company, Nigerian carrier Xejet, with backing from the Sierra Leone government. Sierra Leone carriers are banned from flying to the European Union.
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