By Amin Kef (Ranger)
The Sierra Leone Civil Aviation Authority (SLCAA) on 4 December 2025 held a brief but highly significant engagement with a visiting official from TUI Airways at the Freetown International Airport, marking another milestone in Sierra Leone’s ongoing efforts to attract major international carriers. The meeting brought together the Director General of SLCAA, Musayeroh Barrie, the Deputy Head of Security for TUI Airways, senior staff of the Authority, representatives of the airport Management and other key aviation stakeholders.
Despite its short duration, the engagement underscored Sierra Leone’s growing readiness to integrate into wider aviation networks and highlighted TUI Airways’ increasing interest in expanding operations within West Africa.
Addressing stakeholders during the engagement, Louis Savine-Tramiro Deputy Head of Security for TUI Airways outlined the company’s operational structure and expansion plans. He disclosed that TUI operates five airlines under its group framework and reaffirmed the airline’s intention to launch services linking London Gatwick to Lagos and Freetown before returning to the UK. He commended the Freetown International Airport, describing it as a modern infrastructure with facilities capable of meeting the operational and security requirements expected by international carriers conducting pre-operational assessments.
In her remarks, SLCAA Director General, Musayeroh Barrie, expressed gratitude to the Authority’s staff and airport personnel for consistently upholding international aviation standards; an achievement she said has helped build investor and operator confidence. She noted that Sierra Leone’s aviation sector has undergone significant strengthening, with improved regulatory capacity, enhanced airport infrastructure and a renewed focus on transparency across all operational processes. Musayeroh Barrie underscored that the presence of every stakeholder in the room was critical to maintaining the momentum required to attract and retain reputable airlines. She emphasized that sustained collaboration and open engagement are key to achieving successful outcomes in the country’s aviation growth agenda.
The Director General further stated her confidence that TUI Airways will eventually commence operations in Sierra Leone, stressing that the modernization of the Freetown International Airport positions the country favourably in the eyes of global carriers. “The airport is a well-built infrastructure and in the not-too-distant future, we believe TUI Airways will touch down on our tarmac,” she pointed out, thanking all participants for their commitment.
TUI Airways, one of Europe’s largest leisure airlines and a subsidiary of the globally recognized TUI Group, operates a fleet of more than 130 aircraft and serves over 150 destinations across several continents. With existing operations in Senegal and The Gambia, the airline has been steadily strengthening its African portfolio, aligning with rising demand for travel to and from the region. Its potential entry into the Sierra Leonean market is therefore seen as a strategic addition that could enhance tourism, diversify travel options and improve connectivity for the large Sierra Leonean diaspora in the United Kingdom.
The engagement marks another step forward for Sierra Leone’s aviation sector as the country seeks to expand direct international routes following significant upgrades to airport facilities and regulatory reforms. Should discussions with TUI Airways progress to full operational approval, the introduction of a Gatwick–Freetown service would bring considerable benefits, including increased tourism, greater passenger convenience and enhanced global connectivity. Optimism continues to grow that Sierra Leone will soon welcome one of Europe’s most trusted carriers into its skies.
