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The Sierra Leone Civil Aviation Authority (SLCAA) has announced temporary security and traffic management measures at Freetown International Airport in Lungi ahead of the upcoming Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Summit.
The temporary adjustments, issued by SLCAA management, will be in effect from 17 to 19 July 2026to ensure the safe and efficient movement of delegates, travelers, and airport users during the high-level regional event.
Despite the heightened security protocols, the SLCAA confirmed that all commercial flights will continue to operate as scheduled. However, general access to the terminal building will face strict restrictions: Access to the airport terminal will be strictly limited to passengers holding valid travel documents and authorized airport personnel.
In a bid to manage crowds and bolster security, meeters and greeters will not be permitted inside the terminal for the duration of the summit.
To streamline the flow of traffic, the authority has outlined specific protocols for departing and arriving passengers depending on their mode of transport: Travelers utilizing water taxi services must use designated access routes to the airport terminal and are advised to carefully follow all directional signage and instructions provided by security personnel.
Additionally, travelers arriving at Lungi via ferry or road will not be allowed direct access to the main terminal. Instead, they must assemble at the Old Airport Terminal, where dedicated shuttle buses will transport them to the current airport terminal via a secure, designated route.
The SLCAA has also announced an interim adjustment to cargo services. All cargo received at the airport on the 17th, 18th, and 19th of July will be placed in secure storage at the cargo terminal. Consignments will not be available for collection until Monday, 20 July 2026.
Furthermore, the SLCAA urges all passengers traveling during these three days to factor in additional travel time to accommodate the new security checkpoints and traffic diversions.
Normal airport operations and access protocols are expected to resume immediately following the conclusion of the summit.
