On May 5, 2025, an Air Sierra Leone flight from Lagos to Freetown returned to Murtala Muhammed International Airport shortly after takeoff due to a cockpit alert.
The airline emphasized that passenger safety was never compromised and that the crew acted with utmost professionalism.
“At no point was passenger safety compromised,” the airline stated. “The crew acted with the highest level of professionalism and care.”
The inspection revealed that the alert was triggered by a faulty sensor, with no actual mechanical issues present. After receiving full technical clearance from maintenance teams and regulatory authorities, the flight resumed its journey to Freetown at 17:55 with all passengers on board.
Air Sierra Leone emphasized its commitment to safety, urging the public to rely on official communication channels for accurate updates.
This incident comes amid heightened scrutiny of Air Sierra Leone’s operations. The airline, which resumed services in late 2024 after a hiatus, operates flights between Freetown and London using aircraft leased from Nigerian carrier XeJet. Notably, the Embraer ERJ-145 aircraft currently in use had previously experienced a runway excursion in Lagos in May 2024, though no injuries occurred in that event .
The Sierra Leone Civil Aviation Authority (SLCAA) has emphasized its commitment to ensuring the safety and security of civil aviation in the country.
