The Sierra Leone Civil Aviation Authority (SLCAA) has announced temporary security, traffic management and passenger access arrangements at the Freetown International Airport in Lungi as Sierra Leone prepares to host the West Africa Integrated Investment Summit (WAIIS).
According to a public notice issued by the Authority on Wednesday, 11 November 2026, the special arrangements will take effect from 16 to 18 November 2026 to facilitate the safe and orderly movement of international delegates, passengers and other airport users during the high-profile investment gathering.
The Authority explained that the measures form part of broader security and logistical preparations for the summit, which is expected to attract participants involved in investment and economic cooperation across West Africa.
Despite the temporary restrictions, SLCAA has assured the travelling public that commercial flights will continue operating according to their established schedules throughout the three-day period.
However, passengers travelling through the airport have been advised to familiarize themselves with the revised access procedures to avoid unnecessary delays or inconvenience.
Under the new arrangements, passengers using Sea Coach and Sea Bird transportation services will be required to follow designated access routes leading to the airport terminal. They must also comply with directional signs and instructions issued by authorized security and airport personnel.
For passengers travelling to Lungi by ferry or road, the Authority has introduced a separate transportation arrangement aimed at ensuring controlled and coordinated access to the airport.
Such passengers will be required to assemble at the Old Airport Terminal, where designated shuttle buses will convey them to the main airport terminal through approved routes.
The arrangement is intended to regulate vehicular movement around the airport and reduce congestion during the arrival and departure of summit delegates.
SLCAA further announced that access to the airport terminal will be strictly limited to passengers possessing valid travel documents and personnel authorized to operate within the airport premises.
Consequently, individuals accompanying travellers, including relatives, friends and other well-wishers, will not be permitted to enter the terminal during the period covered by the temporary restrictions.
The Authority emphasized that the measures are necessary to strengthen airport security and maintain efficient passenger movement while accommodating the additional operational demands associated with the international summit.
In addition to passenger access restrictions, SLCAA has introduced temporary arrangements affecting cargo handling and collection.
According to the notice, all cargo received at the airport on 16, 17 and 18 November 2026 will be kept at the designated cargo terminal and made available for collection beginning Thursday, 19 November 2026.
Businesses, importers, clearing agents and other individuals expecting consignments during the affected period are therefore expected to take the revised collection schedule into consideration.
The Authority also urged passengers to allocate additional time for their journeys to the airport, particularly those relying on ferry services, road transportation or designated shuttle buses.
Travellers have been encouraged to cooperate fully with airport security personnel, transportation officials and other authorized staff responsible for implementing the temporary arrangements.
SLCAA maintained that the measures are designed to ensure that airport operations remain safe, secure and efficient while Sierra Leone hosts the West Africa Integrated Investment Summit.
The summit represents an important international engagement for Sierra Leone, providing an opportunity to promote investment dialogue, regional economic cooperation and stronger business relationships.
With the anticipated movement of delegates and other participants through Freetown International Airport, the Authority considers effective security coordination and traffic management essential to maintaining orderly airport operations.
Management reassured the public that the restrictions are temporary and that normal airport access arrangements will resume following the conclusion of the summit.
The Sierra Leone Civil Aviation Authority concluded its notice by appealing for public understanding and cooperation, stressing that compliance with the revised procedures will contribute significantly to the smooth movement of passengers, airport users and summit delegates.
The public notice, dated 11 November 2026, was issued by the Management of the Sierra Leone Civil Aviation Authority as part of its responsibility to promote safe and efficient civil aviation operations in the country.
