By Amin Kef (Ranger)
Sierra Leone’s aviation sector is entering a new phase of reform and international engagement under the leadership of the Director General of the Sierra Leone Civil Aviation Authority (SLCAA), Madam Musayeroh Barrie, as the country intensifies efforts to secure removal from the European Union’s aviation blacklist while gaining global recognition for regulatory progress.
Since 2008, Sierra Leone has remained on the EU Air Safety List due to concerns surrounding regulatory oversight and compliance with international aviation safety standards. Today, however, the narrative is shifting. Under Madam Musayeroh Barrie’s stewardship, the SLCAA has established a structured and results-driven roadmap with the EU Safety Commission aimed at resolving the safety and regulatory deficiencies that initially triggered the restriction.
The roadmap prioritizes strict adherence to international aviation safety standards, enhanced oversight mechanisms, improved inspector training and comprehensive regulatory reforms aligned with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) requirements. Two successful high-level meetings with the EU Safety Commission have already defined clear benchmarks and timelines, with authorities optimistic that Sierra Leone is steadily moving toward removal from the blacklist by 2025.
Aviation experts say the progress recorded so far demonstrates renewed institutional discipline and strong leadership within the SLCAA. The EU ban primarily relates to oversight capacity rather than operational shortcomings of individual flights. Strengthening regulatory structures, therefore, remains the central focus of the current reform process.
Importantly, Air Sierra Leone, the national carrier, continues to operate regional and United Kingdom routes using Nigerian and UK Air Operator Certificates (AOCs), meaning its operations are not directly affected by the EU’s restrictions on Sierra Leone-registered airlines. Nonetheless, full removal from the blacklist is widely viewed as a strategic milestone that will unlock greater investment opportunities, boost tourism, improve air connectivity and strengthen the country’s economic growth prospects.
While advancing critical domestic reforms, Madam Musayeroh Barrie’s leadership is also receiving international recognition. She has been selected as a distinguished panelist at a high-level global aviation webinar hosted by the Singapore Aviation Academy in collaboration with Women in Aviation Singapore.
The webinar, themed: “Give to Gain: The Power of Aviation as a Force for Good,” is scheduled for March 3, 2026, from 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM Singapore Time (GMT+8). The event will convene global aviation leaders, development experts and policymakers to explore how aviation can serve as a catalyst for sustainable development, humanitarian response and inclusive economic growth.
Madam Musayeroh Barrie’s inclusion among a select group of global aviation figures is widely interpreted as recognition of her growing influence within international aviation governance. The session will be moderated by Torbjorn Karlsson, Senior Client Partner at Korn Ferry Singapore Office/Asia Pacific. Other panelists include Onno Rühl, Global Development Leader and Board Member of the Airbus Foundation, and Ms. Claire Leow, Regional Representative for Asia and the Pacific at Airlink.
For many observers in Sierra Leone, Madam Musayeroh Barrie’s participation in the Singapore forum symbolizes more than personal achievement; it reflects the country’s rising credibility and visibility in global aviation discussions. Her presence on such a platform underscores Sierra Leone’s commitment to reform, transparency and international collaboration.
Under her leadership, the SLCAA has intensified modernization efforts, strengthened institutional systems, enhanced compliance frameworks and deepened partnerships with global aviation stakeholders. Industry analysts note that her approach combines technical rigor with diplomatic engagement, positioning Sierra Leone not merely as a participant in global aviation discourse but as a constructive contributor.
Beyond regulatory reform, Madam Musayeroh Barrie’s leadership continues to inspire a new generation of aviation professionals, particularly women aspiring to leadership roles in a traditionally male-dominated sector. Her visibility on international platforms reinforces the message that Sierra Leone is investing in capable, forward-looking leadership to drive sustainable aviation development.
Sierra Leone’s steady progress toward exiting the EU blacklist and strengthening its international partnerships has gained renewed momentum, with Madam Musayeroh Barrie’s dual achievements marking a defining moment for the nation’s aviation industry. By advancing critical safety reforms at home while representing the country at a prestigious global forum, she underscores Sierra Leone’s growing credibility and commitment to meeting international aviation standards.
With a clear roadmap in place and international confidence gradually rebuilding, Sierra Leone’s aviation sector appears poised for renewed credibility, expanded connectivity and sustained growth under her guidance.
