Air Sierra Leone Expands Network with New Routes Between the Gambia and the United Kingdom
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PRESS RELEASE

GCOO of XE Jet, Mr. Sukhjinder Mann, Announces Direct Gambia–UK Airlink at UK–Gambia Trade Mission Opening Ceremony

Banjul, The Gambia | 3 February 2026

The Group Chief Operating Officer (GCOO) of XE Jet, Mr. Sukhjinder Mann, technical partner to Air Sierra Leone, today addressed the opening ceremony of the UK–Gambia Trade Mission in Banjul, where he formally announced the launch of a direct air service between The Gambia and the United Kingdom.

Speaking before Gambian dignitaries and a high-level UK trade delegation, Mr. Sukhjinder Mann emphasized the strategic importance of air connectivity in strengthening bilateral trade, investment, and economic growth between both countries.

The opening ceremony was attended by key stakeholders, including: •

• H.E. Muhammed B.S. Jallow, Vice President of the Republic of The Gambia
• Mr. Ousainou Senghore, Chief Executive Officer, Gambia Investment & Export Promotion Agency (GIEPA)
• Mr. Atam Sandhu, UK Delegation Lead and Chief Executive Officer, DMA
• Mr. Saul Frazer, President, Africa Agenda Network (AAN)
• H.E. Harriet King, British High Commissioner to The Gambia

In his address, Mr. Sukhjinder Mann announced that operations will commence on 15 February, with a weekly direct flight between Banjul and London, and a clear roadmap to increase frequency to three flights per week as demand stabilizes.

He highlighted that the new route is not solely passenger-focused, but strategically designed to unlock export cargo opportunities, noting the immense and largely untapped export potential of The Gambia.

This airlink is about more than travel,” Mr. Sukhjinder Mann stated. “It is about trade facilitation, cargo movement, and positioning The Gambia as a competitive exporter to international markets.

Mr. Sukhjinder Mann further endorsed The Gambia as an attractive destination for international investors, citing the country’s ease of doing business, enabling policy environment, and strong institutional support, which he described as “phenomenal.”

Looking ahead, Mr. Sukhjinder Mann revealed that the partnership’s long-term vision goes beyond a bilateral route, noting that plans are underway to evaluate The Gambia as a future regional aviation hub, leveraging its strategic location, stable environment, and growing trade relevance.

The announcement was met with strong interest from both Gambian officials and the UK delegation, reinforcing aviation’s role as a catalyst for trade, investment, and sustainable economic growth in line with the mission’s theme: “Strengthening Partnerships, Creating Opportunities, Supporting Sustainable Growth.”