Sierra Leone: Air Sierra Leone Returns to Lagos After Cockpit Alert – Airline Confirms False Alarm

By Ishmael Sallieu Koroma

Air Sierra Leone has confirmed a cockpit alert incident involving its Freetown-bound flight from Lagos, which departed Murtala Mohammed International Airport on May 5, 2025, at 14:17.

“Shortly into the flight, the crew received a cockpit alert and, in line with global aviation best practices, activated a safety procedure known as an ‘air return’ to the airport at 14:35 for a precautionary inspection,” the airline said in an official statement.

The statement, signed by Head of Media and Public Relations Augustine Bona, emphasized that passenger safety was never compromised, noting that the crew acted with the highest level of professionalism and care.

“An air return is a proactive safety protocol used in the aviation industry to allow for immediate assessment of any technical notification, however minor,” the airline explained.

According to the airline, a post-inspection revealed that a faulty sensor had triggered a false alarm, confirming there was no actual risk or mechanical issue.

“After full technical clearance by our expert maintenance team and regulatory partners – the NCAA – the aircraft was cleared to safely resume its journey and took off to Freetown again at 17:55 with all passengers on board,” the statement added.

Air Sierra Leone encouraged the public to rely on its official communication platforms for accurate updates and information.

“At Air Sierra Leone, safety is not just a policy – it is our promise,” the airline reaffirmed.

The minor technical issue marks the first operational challenge for the national carrier, which has maintained a clean safety record since launching operations in February 2025.

This incident comes just weeks after Air Sierra Leone celebrated the launch of its flagship Freetown–London Gatwick route on April 26 – a key milestone in the airline’s international expansion strategy.