By Amin Kef (Ranger)
The Sierra Leone Civil Aviation Authority (SLCAA) has issued a formal Advisory, Circular warning pilots, airlines, aviation service providers and the general public about hazardous weather conditions associated with the Harmattan season. The notice, released on 10 December 2025 under reference SLCAA-AC-ANS041-Rev. 00, forms part of the Authority’s mandate to uphold the highest standards of aviation safety in the country.
According to the SLCAA, the onset of Harmattan, characterized by dust haze, dry winds and significantly reduced visibility, poses serious risks to aviation operations. Air Operators (commercial, general aviation and charter), Flight Crew, Flight Operations Personnel, Air Traffic Service Providers, Aerodrome Operators, Ground Handling Agents, Aviation Maintenance Organisations and the Aerodrome Meteorological Office have all been formally notified and instructed to implement heightened safety measures.
The Advisory Circular urges pilots to avoid operating below minimum visibility thresholds and to maintain strict situational awareness. Pilots are further required to obtain updated weather information for departure, en-route and destination points, including detailed briefings from meteorological service providers before any flight.
Pilots are also instructed to operate strictly under Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) during low-visibility periods, a precaution the Authority says is essential for safe navigation.
Airlines have been advised to conduct refresher training for flight crew on low-visibility and dust operations and to incorporate Harmattan case studies into operational decision-making processes.
Air Traffic Service Providers have been mandated to intensify coordination with pilots to ensure safe sequencing of aircraft movements. Runway inspections must be increased during the Harmattan season to maintain safe operating conditions.
Meteorological Service Providers have been directed to issue timely and accurate weather updates, including dust haze warnings. Aerodrome Operators are required to ensure that runway lighting, markings and signage remain clearly visible and fully operational, as well as increase the frequency of runway inspections.
The SLCAA emphasized that all aviation service providers must demonstrate full compliance with Sierra Leone Civil Aviation Regulations (SLCARs) and approved Standard Operating Procedures at all times.
Reassuring the traveling public, the Authority reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring a safe, secure and efficient aviation system despite the seasonal challenges posed by the Harmattan.
The statement concluded with the SLCAA’s pledge to continue promoting aviation safety standards nationwide.
