A Nigerian pilot has praised Sierra Leone’s Freetown International Airport at Lungi for its exceptional cleanliness, describing the facility as “super clean” and “very impressive” following her first visit to the country.

The pilot made the remarks in a video she shared on social media after landing in Freetown, where she expressed surprise at the level of neatness and order at the airport. In the widely circulated clip, she said the airport stood out among many she had visited in her travels.

“Freetown, Sierra Leone, I was just astounded by how neat and how spotless the airport was. I was amazed and I just had to make a video. Just look at how spotless this airport is. I can almost say not a single grain of sand. This is super clean and very impressive,” the pilot said in the video.

Her comments quickly attracted positive reactions online, particularly from Sierra Leoneans who welcomed the praise as a positive reflection of the country’s improving standards in public service delivery and hospitality.

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While noting that airports globally tend to maintain high cleanliness standards, especially in restricted operational areas, the pilot said the condition of Freetown International Airport exceeded her expectations.

“One thing that is consistent with all the airports I’ve gone to is that at least the airside of the airport is always sparkling clean. Honestly, if we can make the rest of the country this clean, it would be remarkable,” she added.

Tourism and aviation stakeholders say such testimonials from international travelers are important in shaping public perception, especially at a time when social media plays a major role in influencing travel decisions and national image.

Freetown International Airport, located at Lungi in Port Loko District, is Sierra Leone’s main international gateway and the first point of contact for thousands of visitors entering the country.

As such, cleanliness, efficiency and customer service at the airport are widely viewed as key indicators of the country’s readiness to compete in the global travel and business environment.

Madam Barrie, who was appointed in August 2023, is Sierra Leone’s first female Director General of Civil Aviation. Since assuming office, she has overseen reforms aimed at strengthening regulatory oversight, improving compliance with international aviation standards and restoring confidence among airlines and international partners.

According to industry observers, the SLCAA has increased its focus on safety management systems, certification processes and institutional capacity-building. One notable milestone under her leadership was the issuance of Sierra Leone’s first Air Operator Certificate since 2008, a development widely regarded as a major step in restoring credibility to the country’s aviation regulatory framework.

Official figures cited by Salone Times indicate that Sierra Leone recorded 127,177 arriving passengers and 120,657 departing passengers in 2024, representing an estimated 5.5 percent increase in incoming passengers compared to 2023. The growth is seen as a sign of gradual recovery in passenger traffic and renewed confidence in the aviation sector.

Madam Barrie’s leadership has also been recognised beyond the aviation industry. She was recently named among the 10 Most Influential Sierra Leoneans of 2025 by Salone Times, an acknowledgement linked to reforms within the aviation sector and its growing role in national development.

The SLCAA has further strengthened international cooperation through partnerships with aviation authorities in countries including the United Arab Emirates, Qatar and South Africa.

In 2024, the authority also signed a Management Service Agreement with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) to support the development of key policy frameworks such as the Civil Aviation Master Plan and the National Aviation Safety Plan.

For many observers, the Nigerian pilot’s praise goes beyond airport cleanliness. They view it as an external validation that Sierra Leone’s efforts to improve aviation standards and passenger experience are beginning to gain international notice.