Sierra Leone Airports Authority

22/12/2022

A Merry Christmas and a bright and prosperous New year
From your FNA Team

20/12/2022

PRESS RELEASE

19th December, 2022

The attention of the Sierra Leone Civil Aviation Authority (SLCAA) and the Ministry of Transport and Aviation (MTA) have been drawn to the issue of left baggage for incoming passengers for Royal Air Moroc and Turkish Airlines on different dates during this festive season. The public is hereby informed that the Authority has been in communication with both Airlines to retrieve all baggage and has resolved thus:

i. Royal Air Moroc has chartered a B737-800 cargo aircraft for the transportation of 340 left baggage of passengers inbound for Freetown International Airport (FNA). The chartered cargo flight has been granted a landing permit to operate as a non- scheduled flight and is expected to arrive on 21st December 2022. Passengers are encouraged to check in at Royal Air Moroc Office at 16B Wilkinson Road Freetown at 12:00 PM on the same date.

ii. Turkish Airlines is also bound to arrive at the Freetown International Airport (FNA) on 21st December 2022 with 900 left passenger luggage on a wide-body aircraft. Accordingly, passengers for Turkish Airlines are also encouraged to check in at Sea Coach Aberdeen on the same date at 12:00pm to pick up their luggage.

The Authority assures the general public of its utmost support to make sure passengers receive all their baggage. The following contact details can be reached for further enquiries:

Toll-Free: 8122 (All Networks) +232 73 000 888 [email protected]

Signed
Management

01/12/2022

SIERRA LEONE AIRPORTS AUTHORITY

Press Release
1st December 2022

The Sierra Leone Airports Authority wishes to bring to the attention of the general Public that the SUMMA project has commenced runway rehabilitation works on runways 12/30 at the Freetown International Airport , for which a NOTAM has been issued.

The overiding objective of issuing the NOTAMN is to expedite construction works that will enhance the safety of flight operations within the project timelines.

The rehabilitation works on the runway as scheduled to commence from 1st December 2022 to 31st January 2023 . Consequently, Runway 12/30 will be closed to flight operations from 0500-1700 Hrs

Accordingly , all Airlines operating at the Freetown International Airport have been notified and advised to inform their passengers about their new flight schedules.

Consistent with the above , new Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) have been developed to ensure smooth facilitation of passengers and the safety of Flight Operations.

We regret any inconvenience that the ongoing Runway Rehabilitation works may cause to our wider Clientele.

Signed
Management.

13/10/2022

As the Management of the Freetown International Airport continues to work with Key Facilitation Agencies regarding seamless travel and the Conduct of their Airport Personnel , the Directorate of Environmental Health and Sanitation “DEHS” at the Ministry of Health has issued the following notices regarding Port Health operations at the Freetown International Airport .

Please read the following notices for all passengers using the Freetown International Airport

1.Passengers do not require an SI NUMBER on Arrival or Departure

2.Wheelchair services are free on Arrival and Departures

3.Before Departure , you can only obtain your yellow fever vaccination and certificate in Freetown at the DHMT at Cline Town .

4. Do not pay for Yellow Fever Vaccination cards at the Freetown International Airport.

04/10/2022

The Freetown International Airport now have its Radio Airport hour that features studio guests from the Sierra Leone Airports Authority ,interspersed with airport traffic and safety jingles. It will cover everything from security to sustainability and resilience efforts underway at the airport. The Public can be part of the Discussions and Education by sending in text messages to 077987987

24/09/2022

Please Read .

14/09/2022

Kindly click on the link to access all information on paying the $ 25 Security charge www.securipass.sl for arriving and departing a passengers using the Freetown International Airport . [FNA]

As per the Government of the Republic of Sierra Leone guidance, this Securipass platform has been designed to facilitate your security fee payment of $25.00 (362500.00 SLL) (credit/debit card fees not included) to each departing from or arriving passenger to all international airports. Starting Frid...

11/08/2022

The Sierra Leone Airports Authority wishes to inform the general public and All Operators that the Freetown International Airport is open and processing Scheduled and unscheduled Airline operations.

Passengers with valid air tickets can further reach their Airlines and obtain more information on their planned travel.

For any further Airport inquiries please send an email or message this page
For urgent inquiries send Whataaps message to SLAA Public Relations Department on the number listed below

076738123
Thank you.

29/06/2022

*Ministry of Information and Communications 8th Floor Youyi Building Brookfields Freetown*

*Wednesday June 29, 2022*

*Public Notice*

*$25 Levy By Securiport*

The attention of the government of Sierra Leone has been drawn to a public notice issued by Securiport, an outfit providing security services at the Lungi International Airport, in which it is a levying a $25 charge on all inbound and outbound passengers to and from Sierra Leone.

Government wishes to inform the general p***c especially the traveling passengers that the decision to charge the said $25 by Securiport was done unilaterally without consultations with the relevant authorities in the aviation industry.

In view of that and other considerations, government has asked Securiport to halt the collection of the said levy. No passenger is compelled to pay the said amount to Securiport.

The general public is assured of government’s commitment to making air travel easy and convenient for our people.

*END*

06/06/2022

COMMISSIONING OF 150 BRAND NEW AND STURDIER TROLLEYS FOR PASSENGER USE AT THE FREETOWN INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

FNA 3/6/2022

The Freetown International Airport has on Friday 3rd June commissioned one hundred and fifty brand new trolleys. The upgrade of its free passenger baggage trolley service gave a replacement of about two hundred old trolleys which have become inefficient and worn out, having served for more than three years.

The new trolleys are a 100% management investment and branded with the SLAA Logo. Trolley service is amongst the first service a flyer needs at an airport. They connect to the gold level infrastructure of baggage systems which is critical to the day to day running of airport operations. International passengers get more luggage and proceeding with them for baggage scanning and check in makes trolleys an essential part of both the arrival and departure process. There reduction can cause significant discomfort and delays to passengers and airlines.

As with some Airports during the pandemic, Trolley trouble gripped the Freetown International Airport; Longer waiting times in fulfilling COVID 19 requirements got passengers staying with one or two trolleys for more than 40 minutes. Before the pandemic, the airport was handling a little over five hundred passengers per day and schedule of international traffic spread in between 5pm to 3am. Four out of five passengers at the Freetown International Airport will require a trolley.

The General Manager of the Sierra Leone Airports Authority, Mr. Jack Massaqoui, during the Commissioning ceremony, said that the new trolleys will be immediately stationed and can definitely improve passenger experiences. The brand new trolleys will be added to the existing good ones to ensure adequate trolleys are available for passenger use at all times particularly during peak operational periods.

"With this new fleet there are twice the number of more trolleys now apportioned, adequate time for collection and stacking at the baggage reclaim hall for Arrivals and at entry points for departures and will only be used for the intended purpose”

The new trolleys are maneuverable, more spacious, and easy to use, the luggage platform in the old trolleys was low but these new ones have the right height, big space above for hand luggage and came with hand brakes. The hand brakes guard against sliding or baggage toppling over.

The big advantage of the new trolleys is that it will ensure there are no shortage when passenger volume increases for the holiday peak. The Airport terminal Building Managers and land side wardens staff can constantly monitor and manage it, ensuring one of Freetown International Airport’s important pieces of infrastructure is always in supply and working effectively.

*****END******

02/06/2022

FREETOWN INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT ENGAGES PORT HEALTH UNIT; CALLS FOR INCREASED PASSENGER CARE DURING FLIGHT OPERATIONS

FNA 1/6/2022


The role of Port Health at FNA is to serve as the first line of Defence to protect Sierra Leone against the entry of communicable diseases associated with cross border movement of people, conveyances, baggage, cargo and imported consignment. The Screening of known sick passengers (aeromedical evacuations) as well as supporting Persons with Reduced Mobility (PRM) are also part of their strategic functions at the Freetown International Airport.

These services are rendered by the Port Health Unit (PHU) from the Ministry of Health and Sanitation. Port Health Services at the Freetown international Airport is a 24 hour medical cover and regulated by the International Health Regulation (IHR2005) that coordinates health services between countries.

In a bid to constantly review the airport service delivery of the various facilitation agencies, the management of the Sierra Leone Airport Authority has met with the entire staff population of the Port Health Unit at the Airport EOC on Wednesday, June 1, 2022.

In chairing the meeting, Deputy General Manager, Mr. Bobson Kargbo explained that the move to independently meet one facilitation agency away from the usual monthly Airport Facilitation Meeting (AFC) is to have the opportunity to meet and talk to every staff not just their Heads and supervisors, and to present passenger feedback of their services as published or filed by Airport users.

The Deputy General Manager continued that in recent weeks, it has received grave concerns from passengers complaining about illegal requests, unsupportive to PRM cases and being uncooperative to best practice measures.

”As we take appropriate steps to mitigate public health risk or provide assistance to PRM, we must balance that with stronger passenger care initiatives and serve our passengers in the most respectable way. The incessant requests for money from passengers is inimical to our brand and image. They won’t refer to you as a Port Health officer but as an Airport service provider. As employees from your institutions you must serve with integrity and together we can deliver credible Airport services”.

According to the Airport’s Deputy General Manager, SLAA management is not only talking tough on these issues but already has in place stronger guidelines in informing the national health secretariat for actions to be effected if their staff is found culpable as well as forwarding these issues to the national air transport facilitation committee, NATFP.

The Deputy General Manager concluded that the Ministry of Transport & Aviation and all air transport stakeholders are sending a unified message, “to stop the harassment of passengers and do assigned jobs effectively and Professionally“. The Airport needs its enviable brand and as a management , doing all they can to support the work of Facilitation agencies.

Mr. Lawrence Conteh, SLAA’s Head of Operations, presented agency compliance performance report as well as passenger reports filed by the PR department from the Airport social media handles. He noted that the reports evoke the need for the Port Health to strictly follow their job functions, desist from asking passengers for money and provide the necessary care for PRMs.

”The Port Health Unit should always communicate their concerns to the head of operations and Terminal Building Managers so as to maintain work efficiency during flight operations.”

Head of Airport Port Health, Mr. Abdulai Jalloh, said with the growth of the airport and global travel, the demand for their services is increasing but without corresponding resources that will aid the delivery of the various categories of POE interventions. After presenting their concerns and the challenges they are faced with in relation to airlines, passengers, and other Agencies, he implored the Port Health staff to respect the Airport‘s bye laws and Standard Operating Procedures so as to promote sanity at the Freetown International Airport .

The SLAA Deputy General Manager, assured Port Health of SLAA's management commitment to look into these challenges and bring coordination of the issues through direct collaboration with the ministry as well as the National Air Transport Facilitation Program.

The meeting also had in attendance the Public Relations Officers, Compliance Manager and Terminal Building Managers.

31/05/2022

COMMISSIONING OF AN AMBULANCE AND MEDICAL EQUIPMENT DONATED BY THE JAPANESE GOVERNMENT FOR THE FREETOWN INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT


The consistent support of the government and people of Japan to Sierra Leone has made its way into the sierra Leonean aviation landscape through its embassy in Sierra Leone, an ambulance and consignment of medical equipment has been donated to the Freetown international Airport. The donation is from the Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects GGHSP. The Airport as an international Point of Entry demonstrated and invested sound public health interventions during the COVID19 outbreak. The donation will further improve and strengthen its public health infrastructure.

The Deputy Head of Mission, Mr. Mitory Naoki outlined Sierra Leone’s Government's long-standing diplomatic relationship with the Japanese Government and assured of it diplomatic relationship with Sierra Leone will keep flourishing. He emphasized on making a difference particularly at Points of Entry which can ultimately provide early warning signals and guide response to outbreaks. The donation he concludes, will support the airport’s mechanisms and action plans in strengthening border coordination of activities and interventions aimed at curbing further spread of diseases.

Speaking on behalf of the Sierra Leone Airports Authority, the Deputy General Manager, Mr. Bobson Kargbo expressed gratitude to the Japanese Government for the goodwill gesture and stated that the ambulance and the medical equipment will be utilized alongside the actors at the Airports PoEs.

“Our passengers will feel safe and confident with this addition in our established medical protocols”.

Mr. Sulay-Manah Jobo Kpukumu, Deputy Director-General of Policy at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, on behalf of the Government of Sierra Leone thanked the Government of Japan for the donation. He emphasized Sierra Leone's desire to strengthen its already friendly diplomatic relationship with the Republic of Japan. He went on to highlight major areas of focus and assistance provided by the Japanese Government over the years.

Dr. Adams Steven, Transport advisor in the ministry of Transport and Aviation represented the Minister of Transport and Aviation Hon Kabineh Kallon. In his statement, he thanked the Japanese Government for their generous contributions. As Disease outbreak affect global mobility in the form of various travel disruptions and restrictions, providing multiple public health measures at PoEs will increase monitoring and tracking

“Sierra Leone has enjoyed excellent relationship with Japan since independence , Japan has contributed immensely to the socio economic infrastructure of sierra Leone. Through instituions like JICA and International Conference on African development the government of japan has supported diverse facets of the Sierra Leonean development aspirations. Witnessing today another humanitarian gesture in our key entry point, illustrates Japans contributions to Air Transport safety”.

The Deputy Chief Medical Officer - Public Health, Dr. Alie Wurrie in his submission also thanked the Japanese Government and the Government of Sierra Leone on behalf of the Ministry of Health and Sanitation. He maintained that the donation is a boost to the health and safety of the Airport and its traveling public.

“It will improve the preparedness level for any health emergency at the Freetown International Airport and we will deploy these resources for its intended use, so as to benefit the travelling public and realizing the dreams of our Japanese donors”.

The commissioning climaxed with an official handing over of the Ambulance and medical equipment to the Authorities at the Freetown International Airport. SLAA Board Chairman Mr Edward Williams and Board Director Mr. Mohamed Savo Kamara also present at the commissioning.

SLAA PUBLIC RELATIONS