Freetown International Airport (FNA) has recorded a significant surge in passenger traffic for the year 2025, signaling a robust recovery and growth in Sierra Leone’s aviation sector.

According to new data released this week, the airport saw a notable increase in both arrivals and departures compared to the previous year, reflecting the impact of the country’s newly expanded aviation infrastructure.

Data shared by Minister of Transport and Aviation, Alhaji Fanday Turay Esq. indicates that total passenger traffic (arrivals and departures) climbed to 268,929 in 2025, up from 250,606 in 2024.

The number of passengers flying into Sierra Leone rose from 128,702 in 2024 to 139,589 in 2025. Outbound traffic also saw an uptick, increasing from 121,904 in 2024 to 129,340 in 2025.

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In a post on X, the minister attributed the rise to strengthened aviation capacity, increased flight frequencies, improved regional and international connectivity, and growing confidence in Sierra Leone as a travel destination.

Officials have linked part of the improvement to the new international terminal, commissioned in March 2023 at a reported cost of about US$270 million.

The facility is designed to handle up to one million passengers annually and has expanded the airport’s capacity to manage higher traffic volumes and improved passenger services.

The increase has also coincided with expanded flight operations and route connectivity.

Several international and regional carriers now operate direct services to FNA, including Royal Air Maroc, ASKY Airlines, Brussels Airlines, Ethiopian Airlines, Kenya Airways, and Air Sierra Leone. These airlines connect Freetown to key regional and global hubs such as Casablanca, Lagos, Accra, and Monrovia. In addition, new and returning regional services, including routes linked to London and Lagos, have contributed to the overall passenger growth.

Government policies aimed at boosting tourism and easing visa regulations have been cited as additional factors encouraging travel to and from Sierra Leone. Authorities say these measures are intended to make the country more accessible to business travelers, tourists, and members of the diaspora.

While airline schedules and route frequencies continue to fluctuate based on market conditions, the year-on-year increase in passenger numbers suggests a gradual recovery and expansion of Sierra Leone’s aviation sector.

Analysts note that sustaining this growth will depend on consistent airline operations, competitive pricing, and continued investment in aviation infrastructure and tourism development.