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The Deputy Minister of Transportation and Aviation, Rex Bonapha has revealed to the press that government intends to use the old Lungi Airport as a military base.
The minister made this revelation while touring the new Freetown International Airport with the press.
He said that the old airport looked unfit for purpose since it was constructed by the British Loyal Airforce way back in 1945 to serve as military base in case the Second World War prolonged.
He said that one of the government’s options is to use the old airport as an Air Wing Station for the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF). Another option, according to the deputy minister, is for government to use the old airport as an investment buffer.
The Lungi airport was used as a military base in the 90s by ECOWAS’ military wing to carry out air raids in the Liberian civil war. The airport also received a good number of military planes in the country’s ten years civil war.
Government revealed that the usage of the new airport built by Summa Group will commence operations after President Bio inaugurates it on the 3rd March 2023.
The Aviation ministry said staff of the old airport would be employed at the new airport after completion of training. The new airport will be run by Turkish company Summa Group for the next two decades.
