The Sierra Leone Civil Aviation Authority (SLCAA) has announced temporary security and traffic management arrangements at the Freetown International Airport, Lungi, ahead of the forthcoming ECOWAS Summit, assuring the public that commercial flight operations will continue uninterrupted throughout the period.
According to a public notice issued by the Authority, the temporary measures will be in force from 17 to 19 July 2026 as Sierra Leone hosts the regional summit. The arrangements are intended to facilitate the safe, secure and efficient movement of ECOWAS delegates, passengers and other airport users during the high-level event.
The SLCAA stated that passengers travelling with Sea Coach and Sea Bird water transport services should use the designated access route to the airport terminal and comply with all directional signs as well as instructions issued by security personnel.
Passengers travelling to Lungi by ferry or road have been directed to assemble at the Old Airport Terminal, where shuttle buses will transport them to the airport terminal through designated routes established for the summit period.
As part of the enhanced security measures, access to the airport terminal will be strictly limited to passengers with valid travel documents and authorised airport personnel. The Authority emphasised that individuals accompanying travellers, commonly referred to as meeters and greeters, will not be permitted access to the terminal throughout the three-day period.
The SLCAA also announced temporary adjustments to cargo operations, stating that all cargo received on 17, 18 and 19 July 2026 will be securely stored at the cargo terminal and will only be available for collection beginning 20 July 2026.
The Authority has advised passengers to allow extra travel time when planning their journeys and to fully cooperate with security officers and traffic management personnel to avoid unnecessary delays.
According to the SLCAA, the temporary measures are designed to ensure that airport operations continue safely and efficiently while supporting Sierra Leone’s successful hosting of the ECOWAS Summit.
The Authority further noted that normal airport access arrangements will resume immediately after the conclusion of the summit and thanked the public for its understanding and cooperation during the period.
