Find the cheapest flights from Manchester to Banjul in 2026. Compare airlines, prices by month, and booking tips to save on your trip.
Route: Manchester (MAN) → Banjul (BJL)
Distance: Direct flights not available
Flight Duration: 7h 30m – 12h (1 stop)
Prices by Month
| Month | Avg Price | Demand |
|---|---|---|
| January | €500 | high |
| February | €480 | high |
| March | €420 | medium |
| April | €360 | medium |
| May | €320 | low |
| June | €320 | low |
| July | €360 | medium |
| August | €380 | medium |
| September | €310 | low |
| October | €340 | low |
| November | €400 | medium |
| December | €550 | high |
Airlines on This Route
- Royal Air Maroc (connecting): from €340 — Book via Royal Air Maroc website directly – they often have Flash Deals and price match. Connection in Casablanca is efficient, allow 2h minimum transfer time.
- Brussels Airlines (connecting): from €420 — Best for those wanting direct Brussels flight. Fares drop significantly outside Belgian school holidays. Use their ‘Destinations’ page for route-specific deals.
- Turkish Airlines (connecting): from €380 — Istanbul stopover program is excellent – you can explore Istanbul for 2-5 days at no extra airfare cost. Book via Turkish Airlines website to access this.
- TAP Air Portugal (connecting): from €360 — TAP’s Portugal Stopover program adds significant value – combine Gambia with a Portuguese city break at no extra cost. Best fares via TAP website directly.
Booking Strategy
For Manchester to Banjul flights, the optimal booking window is 6-10 weeks before departure, with Tuesday and Wednesday departures typically €40-80 cheaper than weekend flights. May and September offer the best value at €300-340 return. The route is heavily seasonal – avoid December-February when prices surge above €500. Use Google Flights to compare all airlines simultaneously and set price alerts for this specific route. Royal Air Maroc tends to be cheapest overall, while Brussels Airlines offers the most convenient schedule for Manchester-based travelers. Avoid booking through third-party aggregators for this route – booking directly with airlines gives better rebooking options if plans change. The cheapest day to fly is typically Wednesday, with Sunday being most expensive.
Route Tips
- Manchester Terminal 2 handles most international departures – allow 2.5 hours for African routes due to thorough security and visa checks.
- Gambia requires yellow fever vaccination certificate if arriving from certain countries – check requirements before connecting through yellow fever zones.
- Royal Air Maroc offers the best baggage allowance on this route at 23kg checked plus 10kg cabin – ideal for longer trips.
- Istanbul Airport transit requires e-visa (€15) for UK passport holders if leaving the airport – apply online before departure.
- Banjul airport has limited facilities – bring snacks and water for the journey, as airport options are basic.
- December-March is peak tourist season in Gambia – book accommodations 2 months ahead for this period.
- Combine Banjul with a European stopover – TAP Air Portugal and Turkish Airlines offer free city tours in Lisbon or Istanbul during layovers.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the flight from Manchester to Banjul?
There are no direct flights from Manchester to Banjul. The shortest indirect routes take approximately 7 hours 30 minutes, typically with Royal Air Maroc via Casablanca or TAP Air Portugal via Lisbon. Most convenient connections take 9-11 hours via Brussels Airlines or Turkish Airlines through their respective hubs. Allow at least 2 hours for connections at European transit airports. Total travel door-to-door typically takes 12-16 hours depending on connection times and layover duration.
How much does it cost to fly from Manchester to Banjul?
Prices range from €300-350 for budget deals in the low season (May-June, September-October) to €500-600 during peak winter months (December-February). The average return fare is €400-450. Royal Air Maroc typically offers the cheapest fares at €320-380, while Brussels Airlines charges premium rates at €420-500. Booking 8 weeks ahead yields the best prices. Christmas and New Year periods see prices above €600 for economy class.
Are there direct flights from Manchester to Banjul?
No direct flights operate between Manchester (MAN) and Banjul (BJL). All flights require at least one stop. The most common routing is via Casablanca (Royal Air Maroc), Lisbon (TAP Air Portugal), Brussels (Brussels Airlines), or Istanbul (Turkish Airlines). Seasonal charter flights occasionally operate from UK airports during winter peak, but these are rare and book up quickly through tour operators rather than airlines.
What is the cheapest month to fly from Manchester to Banjul?
May and September offer the cheapest fares at €300-340 return. These months fall during Gambia’s low tourist season when hotel rates drop significantly. June also offers good value at €320-360. The most expensive period is December through February when European tourists escape to Gambia’s winter sun, with fares often exceeding €500. April and November provide a balance of decent weather and moderate prices at €360-420.
Which airlines fly from Manchester to Banjul?
No airlines operate direct flights. Royal Air Maroc is the most frequent operator via Casablanca with fares from €340. TAP Air Portugal offers competitive rates from €360 with Lisbon connections. Brussels Airlines flies via Brussels from €420 – convenient but pricier. Turkish Airlines via Istanbul offers excellent value at €380 with their generous 30kg baggage allowance. All flights require a visa-free transit at the European hub.
What airport do I fly into in Banjul?
You fly into Banjul International Airport (BJL), also known as Yundum International Airport, located about 15km (9 miles) from Banjul city center. Taxis to the city cost €15-20 (GMD 1000-1200) and take 20-30 minutes. Shared taxis (bush taxis) cost around €3 but are less comfortable. Most resorts in the Kotu and Bakau areas are a further 10-15 minute drive from the airport. Pre-arranged hotel transfers typically cost €25-30.
How far in advance should I book Manchester to Banjul flights?
Book 6-10 weeks ahead for the best fares. Airlines typically release seats 11 months in advance, but the cheapest pricing appears 6-10 weeks before departure. For peak season (December-February), book 3-4 months ahead as prices rise sharply. Last-minute bookings rarely yield deals on this route – expect to pay €100-200 more than advance bookings. Monitor prices weekly once your dates are set.
Is it cheaper to fly from Manchester to Banjul on weekdays?
Yes, weekday flights are significantly cheaper on this route. Tuesday and Wednesday departures save €40-80 compared to Friday or Sunday flights. Saturday departures are typically mid-range. The difference is most pronounced during high season when the savings can exceed €100. If your schedule is flexible, shifting your departure by 1-2 days can yield substantial savings. Return flights show less variation by day.
Data updated: 2026-03
