ValueJet opens Banjul, West Africa’s hidden gem to adventure

Since launching its direct Lagos–Banjul route on May 15, 2025, ValueJet has opened up West Africa’s hidden gem to everyday adventurers, wanderers, and business-savvy travellers alike.

It’s not just the beaches (though they’re glorious). It’s the blend of history and modern life, the way the colonial-era architecture leans into the vibrancy of its markets, the rhythm of its music, and the warmth of its people. Add in ValueJet’s wallet-friendly fares and thoughtful service, and travellers get a getaway that feels more like a personal discovery than a packaged vacation.

More than a leisure destination, Banjul also offers opportunities for trade and cultural exchange. That’s one reason why Omololu Majekodunmi, ValueJet’s Managing Director and Accountable Manager, calls the Lagos-Banjul route “a milestone in regional connectivity.”

He explains, “The Lagos to Banjul flight is an important milestone in ValueJet’s vision to promote travel options and connectivity within West Africa.

“We are proud to play a part in bridging distances and fostering closer economic ties between the people and businesses of Nigeria, The Gambia, and beyond opening new opportunities for trade and tourism.”

ValueJet is the only airline offering direct flights from Lagos to Banjul. Flights operate twice weekly, departing Lagos from the Murtala Muhammed International Airport’s new terminal at 9:00 PM every Thursday and Sunday, landing in Banjul by 11:30 PM local time. Return flights leave Banjul at 12:30 AM on Mondays and Fridays, touching down in Lagos by 5:00 AM just in time to beat the Lagos morning rush.

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When Titi, a travel enthusiast, first saw the picture of Banjul on her friend’s social media profile, her curiosity to travel to the city heightened. The white-sand beaches, colourful marketplaces, colonial-era architecture, and serenity she hadn’t felt in Lagos traffic for months drew her attention.

Her curiosity propelled her further. “Where is this paradise?” Her friend replied, “Banjul, Gambia. I flew there with ValueJet’s direct flight Easy Breezy.” That disclosure set the wheels in motion for her to take a trip to Banjul.

Like many Nigerians craving an escape that wouldn’t break the bank or involve endless layovers, Titi discovered that ValueJet had quietly become the airline of choice for travellers seeking a smooth, affordable, and convenient journey to The Gambia.

Tickets are available now at the airline’s website. Titi and thousands like her are already trading their screens for sunsets, traffic jams for tranquil beaches, and the ordinary for the extraordinary.

Ifeoma Okeke-Korieocha

Ifeoma Okeke-Korieocha is the Aviation Correspondent at BusinessDay Media Limited, publishers of BusinessDay Newspapers. She is also the Deputy Editor, BusinessDay Weekender Magazine, the Saturday Weekend edition of BusinessDay. She holds a BSC in Mass Communication from the prestigious University of Nigeria, Nsukka and a Masters degree in Marketing at the University of Lagos. As the lead writer on the aviation desk, Ifeoma is responsible and in charge of the three weekly aviation and travel pages in BusinessDay and BDSunday. She also overseas and edits all pages of BusinessDay Saturday Weekender. She has written various investigative, features and news stories in aviation and business related issues and has been severally nominated for award in the category of Aviation Writer of the Year by the Nigeria Media Nite-Out awards; one of the Nigeria’s most prestigious media awards ceremonies. Ifeoma is a one-time winner of the prestigious Nigeria Media Merit Award under the 'Aviation Writer of the Year' Category. She is the 2025 Eloy Award winner under the Print Media Journalist category. She has undergone several journalism trainings by various prestigious organisations. Ifeoma is also a fellow of the Female Reporters Leadership Fellowship of the Wole Soyinka Centre for Investigative Journalism.