By Amin Kef (Ranger)
Passenger movement through Freetown International Airport recorded a strong and encouraging increase in 2025, signaling renewed confidence in Sierra Leone’s aviation sector and the impact of sustained reforms in air transport management. Official data released by the Sierra Leone Civil Aviation Authority (SLCAA) show that a total of 268,929 passengers were processed through the airport during the year, marking one of the strongest performances in recent times.
The 2025 figure represents a clear rise from the 250,606 passengers recorded in 2024, translating into a year-on-year increase of 18,323 passengers. Aviation authorities attribute this growth to improved airline connectivity, increased airline movements, enhanced operational efficiency and sustained confidence by both travelers and airline operators in Sierra Leone’s air transport system.
According to the SLCAA, passenger growth in 2025 was supported by over 2,000 airline movements, reflecting a steady expansion in flight activity to and from the country. The data indicate that both international and regional routes contributed to the increased traffic, reinforcing Sierra Leone’s position as a steadily growing aviation destination in West Africa.
Monthly passenger statistics released by the Authority show consistent gains across most months of the year. January 2025 opened with higher passenger numbers compared to the same period in 2024, setting a positive tone for the year. While some mid-year months experienced moderate fluctuations, overall traffic levels remained above those of the previous year. The final quarter of 2025, traditionally a peak travel period, recorded particularly strong performance, with December pushing annual passenger totals to their highest level in recent years.
Commenting on the milestone, Musayeroh Barrie, Director General of the SLCAA, described the figures as a clear reflection of progress in the country’s aviation sector.
“Passenger growth of this nature demonstrates renewed confidence in our skies,” she said. “It shows that the reforms we are implementing, particularly in safety oversight, regulatory compliance and stakeholder collaboration, are yielding tangible results. Our priority remains ensuring safe, secure and efficient air transport services while supporting national development.”
Aviation analysts note that the improved performance is also linked to stronger engagement with international and regional airlines, improved coordination among aviation stakeholders and ongoing investments in airport systems, personnel training and regulatory oversight. Those factors, they say, have helped create a more reliable and predictable operating environment for airlines while improving the passenger experience.
The increase in passenger throughput is expected to have positive spillover effects on tourism, trade and the wider economy. Higher passenger volumes translate into increased demand for hospitality services, ground handling, transportation and other related sectors, contributing to job creation and economic activity.
The yearly comparison chart released by the SLCAA shows a clear upward trajectory, with 2025 outperforming 2024 by a wide margin. Officials believe that with sustained policy consistency, infrastructure upgrades and continued collaboration with airline partners, passenger numbers could continue to rise in the coming years.
As Sierra Leone positions itself as an emerging aviation hub in the sub-region, the SLCAA has reiterated its commitment to international best practices, capacity building and strategic partnerships that strengthen the sector. The Authority has emphasized that safety, security and efficiency will remain at the core of its mandate as traffic volumes grow.
For aviation authorities, the 2025 passenger movement figures represent more than just statistics. They are seen as a strong signal of growing trust in Sierra Leone’s aviation system and a testament to what can be achieved when vision is matched with leadership. As progress takes flight, Sierra Leone appears increasingly connected; both to the region and to the wider world.
