Manchester to Banjul is a winter-sun route: TUI flies non-stop to The Gambia in under seven hours, but only during the dry season from roughly November to April. Outside those months there is no direct flight and you would need to connect through Europe. This guide covers who flies the route, what a fair return fare looks like in pounds, and when to book.
Route: Manchester (MAN) → Banjul International (BJL)
Distance: approximately 4,450 km (2,770 miles)
Non-stop flight time: about 6h 30m – 6h 45m southbound
Direct flights: Yes, but seasonal — TUI Airways flies non-stop from Manchester roughly November to April (typically two departures a week). In summer there is no non-stop; you would connect via a European hub.
Fares from Manchester to Banjul (GBP)
The Gambia is a winter destination for UK travellers, and TUI’s non-stop service mirrors that: it runs through the dry season and pauses over the summer. The table below shows when the route is busiest. We no longer print per-month fare estimates here, because they were never measured.
| Month | Demand |
|---|---|
| January | high (peak sun) |
| February | high (half-term) |
| March | medium-high |
| April | medium (season ends) |
| May | — |
| June | — |
| July | — |
| August | — |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | medium (season starts) |
| December | very high (Christmas) |
Reference points from our own deal tracking (Manchester–Banjul): a genuinely good return lands around £233, a typical fair price is roughly £250, and the very cheapest we have logged sits near £163 on a well-timed early booking. Anything under about £280 is worth booking quickly, since seats on a twice-weekly seasonal flight sell out.
Airlines on this route
Non-stop (about 6¾ hours, winter only):
- TUI Airways — the only carrier we have seen flying non-stop Manchester → Banjul, roughly November to April with about two departures a week (typically Sunday and Wednesday). Sold as flight-only or as a package.
One-stop (the only option in summer, or when TUI is full):
- Brussels Airlines via Brussels — the most established scheduled routing to Banjul, available year-round.
- Royal Air Maroc via Casablanca — connects from Manchester and serves Banjul on several days a week.
- TAP Air Portugal via Lisbon and other European carriers — occasional one-stop options, usually the choice outside the winter charter season.
Because TUI has the non-stop to itself, its winter fares are competitive against the connecting options, which add three to six hours and a change of plane. If you are travelling in summer, a one-stop via Brussels or Casablanca is the realistic route.
When to book & how to save
- Book 2–4 months ahead for the winter season — the non-stop runs only twice a week, so seats at the good fares go early, especially around Christmas and February half-term.
- Travel November, March or April for the lowest non-stop fares; the weather is still warm and dry, but prices dip either side of the Christmas and half-term peaks.
- Package vs flight-only: TUI often prices a flight-plus-hotel package close to the flight-only fare, so compare both before booking.
- Check the baggage allowance: TUI’s lowest fares may not include a checked bag — add it at booking rather than at the airport, where it costs more.
- Avoid summer if you want non-stop — there simply isn’t one; if your dates are flexible, shifting to the November–April window saves both time and money.
Arriving in Banjul
Flights land at Banjul International Airport (BJL), also known as Yundum, about 24 km south of Banjul and close to the Kombos resort strip (Kotu, Kololi and Senegambia). There’s no train or public rail link, so the usual way in is a pre-booked hotel transfer — included with most TUI packages — or an official green tourist taxi from the rank, which runs roughly £20–£35 to the main resort areas depending on distance. Agree the fare before you set off, and carry small notes; The Gambia uses the dalasi, and card acceptance is limited outside hotels.
Frequently asked questions
Are there direct flights from Manchester to Banjul?
Yes, but only in winter. TUI Airways flies non-stop from Manchester to Banjul roughly from November to April, usually twice a week. There is no non-stop service in summer — between about May and October you would need to connect through a European hub such as Brussels or Casablanca.
How long is the flight from Manchester to Banjul?
The non-stop TUI flight takes about 6 hours 30 minutes to 6 hours 45 minutes southbound, with the return a little longer. One-stop itineraries via Brussels, Casablanca or Lisbon typically take 9 to 12 hours in total, depending on the connection.
How much does it cost to fly from Manchester to Banjul?
A typical economy return runs about £280–£460 during the winter season. Our deal tracking shows genuinely good fares around £233, with the very cheapest near £163 when booked early. December and February half-term are the most expensive weeks.
What is the cheapest month to fly from Manchester to Banjul?
November, March and April — the shoulders of the winter season — are usually the cheapest months to fly. Avoid the Christmas and New Year peak and February half-term, which are the busiest and priciest.
Which airlines fly from Manchester to Banjul?
Non-stop: TUI Airways only, and only in the winter season. For year-round or summer travel, one-stop options include Brussels Airlines (via Brussels), Royal Air Maroc (via Casablanca) and TAP Air Portugal (via Lisbon).
Which airport do I fly into in The Gambia?
You arrive at Banjul International Airport (BJL), also called Yundum, about 24 km south of Banjul and a short drive from the Kotu, Kololi and Senegambia resort areas where most visitors stay.
How far in advance should I book Manchester to Banjul flights?
Aim for 2 to 4 months ahead. Because the non-stop runs only twice a week through the winter, the cheaper seats sell out early — particularly around Christmas and half-term. Fares rarely improve close to departure on this seasonal route.
Is The Gambia a winter or summer destination from Manchester?
Winter. The non-stop TUI flight and The Gambia’s dry, sunny season both run from about November to April, which is the classic “winter sun” window. Summer is the rainy season and the direct flight does not operate, so most Manchester travellers go between November and April.
Do I need a visa to visit The Gambia?
British passport holders do not need a visa for tourist stays of up to a set period on arrival; check the current UK government travel advice before you go, as entry rules and any health requirements can change. Your passport should be valid for the duration of your trip.
Fare guidance based on aifly.one deal tracking and current airline schedules; last reviewed July 2026. Indicative economy returns — always check the live fare before booking.
