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The Sierra Leone Civil Aviation Authority (SLCAA) has received public commendation for improvements in service delivery and operational standards at the Freetown International Airport, following remarks by Sierra Leonean footballer Kei Kamara.
The recognition comes amid ongoing reforms by the SLCAA aimed at enhancing passenger experience, improving operational efficiency, and strengthening the overall image of Sierra Leone’s aviation sector.
Director General of the SLCAA, Madam Musayeroh Barrie, welcomed the acknowledgment, describing it as a positive reflection of the reforms being implemented at the airport.
“It is encouraging when citizens recognize and appreciate the visible improvements at our airport, especially when excellence becomes the new standard and not ‘business as usual.’ Thank you, Kei Kamara, for acknowledging the ongoing efforts to improve FNA,” she said.
Kei Kamara praised airport staff for their professionalism, honesty, and commitment to customer service, citing several incidents he said reflect a growing culture of accountability within the facility.
Among the examples he highlighted was the recovery of a passenger’s misplaced headphones, which were reportedly traced and returned after an airport staff member made efforts to locate the owner within the terminal.
He also referenced cases involving misplaced mobile phones, including one instance in which a device left in an airport shuttle bus was recovered and returned to its owner within 24 hours. Kamara added that he and members of his family had personally benefited from similar assistance provided by airport personnel.
According to him, such actions demonstrate integrity, professionalism, and a strong commitment to customer care, while also helping to challenge negative perceptions about public service institutions. He emphasized the importance of highlighting positive examples of service delivery alongside criticism.
For the SLCAA, the commendation aligns with its broader mandate to ensure safe, efficient, and customer-focused aviation services. The Authority has continued to prioritize improvements in passenger handling, airport operations, infrastructure, and staff performance in line with international aviation standards.
Kamara’s remarks also underscore the role of airport personnel in shaping the experience and perceptions of travelers, given their direct interaction with passengers and responsibility for safeguarding personal belongings.
Although Kamara recently announced his retirement from professional club football after more than two decades in Major League Soccer and other international leagues, he remained active with the Leone Stars during the 2025 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign and continues to be regarded as one of Sierra Leone’s most prominent sporting figures.
His public praise of improvements at the Freetown International Airport reflects ongoing efforts by the SLCAA and airport staff to strengthen service delivery, build public trust, and project a more welcoming image to visitors and returning citizens.
