In a move set to boost regional air connectivity and promote economic ties within West Africa, Nigerian airline ValueJet has announced plans to commence direct flight operations between Lagos and Banjul, The Gambia, beginning May 15, 2025.
The airline made the announcement in a statement released on Friday, describing the new route as a strategic addition that links two of the region’s vibrant economic and tourism hubs.
With the launch, flights from Lagos to Banjul will operate twice weekly departing every Thursday and Sunday while return journeys from Banjul will take off on Mondays and Fridays at 12:30 a.m., arriving at Lagos’ Murtala Muhammed International Airport by 5:00 a.m. The service will utilize the airport’s newly commissioned international terminal. Tickets for the route are already available on the airline’s official website.
Commenting on the development, ValueJet’s Managing Director and Accountable Manager, Omololu Majekodunmi, emphasized the airline’s mission to deepen regional integration through enhanced air travel options.
“This launch marks a significant milestone in ValueJet’s broader vision to improve connectivity across West Africa,” he said. “We are proud to be part of the effort to bridge distances and strengthen the economic and cultural ties between Nigeria, The Gambia, and the broader region.”
Majekodunmi also highlighted the route’s potential to stimulate trade, tourism, and business exchange between both countries. According to him, expanding ValueJet’s footprint to The Gambia reflects the airline’s growing commitment to making intra-African travel more seamless, affordable, and efficient.
“Opening up direct access to the Gambian market aligns with our goal of making travel within the continent more accessible,” he added. “Passengers can continue to count on ValueJet for safe, reliable, and customer-focused service as we continue to grow our network.”
The new Lagos–Banjul route underscores a broader trend of regional carriers strengthening cross-border ties in West Africa amid rising demand for intra-African travel.
