Freetown Awaits: How to Find the Best Flight Deals to Sierra Leone

Freetown Awaits: How to Find the Best Flight Deals to Sierra Leone

Freetown is a growing destination for UK travellers, whether visiting family, exploring Sierra Leone's beaches, or travelling for business. As a less heavily trafficked route than some other West African destinations, a little extra research can go a long way towards finding a good deal. This guide explains which airlines fly the route, how to compare them, and what to sort out before you travel.

Compare Connecting Routes

Because there is no direct flight, most journeys involve one connection. Comparing the routes side by side can reveal differences in price, journey time and baggage, so it is worth checking more than one.

Airline	Route	Typical journey time	Checked baggage (economy)
Brussels Airlines	Heathrow → Brussels → Freetown	~10h+	Usually 1 x 23kg
Royal Air Maroc	Heathrow → Casablanca → Freetown	~10h+	Usually 1 x 23kg
Ethiopian Airlines	Heathrow → Addis Ababa → Freetown	~16h+	Usually 2 x 23kg

• Brussels Airlines is the most popular routing with the UK Sierra Leonean community and usually the quickest.
• Royal Air Maroc via Casablanca often offers competitive fares.
• Ethiopian Airlines takes longer, but usually includes 2 x 23kg, which suits travellers taking a lot of luggage home.

Baggage allowances depend on the exact fare, so always check what is included before you book. For full airline details, see our flights to Freetown page.

Air Sierra Leone: London Flights Due to Return

Air Sierra Leone flew between London Gatwick and Freetown, stopping in Banjul, until April 2026, when the service was suspended. The airline plans to restart the route from late October 2026, at the start of the winter season. Details such as the aircraft and schedule were still being finalised at the time of writing, so ask us for the latest position when you enquire.

Be Flexible with Travel Dates

Because Freetown is served by fewer weekly flights than larger West African cities, prices can vary considerably between specific departure days. Being flexible by even a day or two can sometimes unlock a noticeably cheaper fare on the same route.

Book Ahead for Peak Periods

Demand for flights to Freetown increases around Christmas, Easter and the UK summer holidays, when many families travel home. Booking several months in advance for these periods is the best way to secure both availability and a reasonable price.

Always Book on One Ticket

When you book a connecting route such as London–Brussels–Freetown on a single ticket, the airline is generally responsible for getting you to Freetown if a delay makes you miss your connection, and your bags are usually checked through. If you book separate tickets to save money, a missed connection is your problem, and you may have to buy a new flight.

Before You Fly to Freetown

• Visa: British citizens need a visa for Sierra Leone. You can apply online at evisa.sl before you travel, or get a visa on arrival at Lungi Airport for US$80, paid in cash in US dollars.
• Health declaration: all travellers must complete a health declaration on the Sierra Leone Health Travel Portal within 72 hours before travel.
• Yellow fever: you need a yellow fever vaccination certificate to enter Sierra Leone.
• Getting to Freetown: Lungi International Airport is across the Sierra Leone River from the city. Most travellers cross by water taxi, which takes around 30 to 45 minutes once on board, or by the slower ferry. Arrange your crossing before you land.
• Time difference: Sierra Leone is on GMT all year, the same as the UK in winter and 1 hour behind during British Summer Time.

Planning a longer trip? Our Freetown and Sierra Leone travel guide covers what to see and do.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a direct flight from the UK to Freetown?

No. All flights from the UK to Freetown currently involve at least one connection, most commonly via Brussels, Casablanca or Addis Ababa. Air Sierra Leone plans to restart London Gatwick flights via Banjul from late October 2026.

Which airlines fly from London to Freetown?

The main options are Brussels Airlines via Brussels, Royal Air Maroc via Casablanca and Ethiopian Airlines via Addis Ababa. Turkish Airlines stopped flying to Freetown in June 2026.

How long is the flight from London to Freetown?

Around 10 hours or more via Brussels or Casablanca, including the connection, and around 16 hours or more via Addis Ababa.

When is the cheapest time to fly to Freetown?

Outside the Christmas, Easter and summer holiday peaks, prices to Freetown are generally lower and more stable. If you need to travel at peak times, book several months ahead for the best value.

Does being flexible with dates really make a difference for Freetown flights?

Yes. Because Freetown has fewer weekly flights than larger cities, prices can vary more between specific days, so flexibility can lead to noticeable savings.

Do I need a visa for Sierra Leone?

Yes. British citizens need a visa. You can apply online at evisa.sl before travel or get a visa on arrival at Lungi Airport for US$80 in cash. You must also complete a health declaration within 72 hours before travel.

More Sierra Leone Flight Guides

• Cheap flights to Freetown: airlines, baggage and fares from the UK
• Cheap flights to Sierra Leone
• Freetown and Sierra Leone travel guide
• Cheap flights to Africa from the UK

Ready to book your Freetown flights? Dream Fare compares Brussels Airlines, Royal Air Maroc and Ethiopian Airlines fares for your exact dates. Call 020 8264 0018 or message us on WhatsApp for a free quote.

Routes, schedules and fares change and can vary by season. Information in this guide was checked in October 2026. Always confirm current flights, prices and entry requirements before you travel.