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Sierra Leone is ranked as one of the fastest-growing aviation markets in West and Central Africa after recording a 23 percent year-on-year increase in estimated aviation passenger arrivals during the first quarter of 2026, according to the World Bank’s Tourism Watch report released in June, 2026.
The latest report places Sierra Leone third in the region for growth in aviation passenger arrivals, behind Chad, which recorded a 25 percent increase, and Cabo Verde, which registered 24 percent. Burkina Faso followed Sierra Leone with 22 percent, while Togo rounded out the top five with 20 percent growth.
The World Bank data, sourced from aviation analytics firm OAG, pointed out that Sierra Leone as one of the region’s strongest performers in terms of passenger traffic growth, signalling increased air travel demand and improving connectivity.
The report shows that several other countries also posted positive growth during the period, including Cameroon (14%), the Central African Republic (9%), Guinea (9%), Nigeria (9%), Benin (8%), Niger (8%), Ghana (6%), Côte d’Ivoire (6%), Senegal (5%), The Gambia (4%), and Mali (3%).
Meanwhile, only three countries in the region recorded declines in estimated aviation passenger arrivals. São Tomé and Príncipe experienced a seven percent decrease, while Gabon and the Republic of Congo both recorded declines of 15 percent.
For Sierra Leone, the 23 percent increase represents a major milestone for the country’s aviation and tourism sectors. The growth suggests a rising number of travellers arriving by air, reflecting improving confidence in Sierra Leone as a destination for business, tourism and investment. It also points to the country’s expanding air connectivity and the increasing use of its international gateway by passengers, especially with the construction of a new terminal.
Although the World Bank report does not rank countries by the total number of visitors, it measures the rate of growth in aviation passenger arrivals. This means Sierra Leone is not the third most-visited country in West and Central Africa, but rather the third-fastest-growing aviation market in the region during the first quarter of 2026.
The findings are expected to boost confidence in Sierra Leone’s tourism industry, which has been positioning itself to attract more international visitors through its pristine beaches, rich cultural heritage, wildlife attractions and eco-tourism potential. Increased passenger arrivals could also stimulate investment in hospitality, transport, trade and related services, creating new opportunities for economic growth and employment.
The West African country is due to host the 68th Ordinary Session of the Authority of Heads of State and Government of ECOWAS on July 19, in the airport city of Lungi.
