Passengers Call for Reform at Freetown International Airport Amid Cash-Only Tax Frustrations

The Freetown International Airport is facing growing criticism from travelers over the mandatory $25 airport tax, which must be paid in physical cash upon arrival and departure.

This requirement, announced by the Ministry of Internal Affairs on August 26, 2022, has raised concerns about the practicality and fairness of the current payment system.

Effective September 1, 2022, all passengers using the airport are subject to the fee, which is intended to bolster airport security. However, many travelers have expressed dissatisfaction with the cash-only payment method, arguing that it adds unnecessary complexity and stress to their travel experience.

In an age where digital transactions are the norm, the insistence on cash payments is viewed as outdated and incongruent with modern travel practices. Passengers report difficulties in budgeting for their trips, as they must set aside extra funds specifically for the airport tax. This has become a particular point of contention given the already high costs associated with air travel in Sierra Leone.

Moreover, the $25 tax contributes to Sierra Leone’s reputation for having some of the highest airfares in the region, prompting some travelers to seek alternative routes through neighboring countries. For example, Guinea’s airports are perceived to offer more affordable travel options, further exacerbating concerns for the tourism industry in Sierra Leone.

Travelers are urging the government to integrate airport taxes into ticket prices, which would simplify budgeting and eliminate the hassle of carrying extra cash. Many argue that this change is not only a matter of convenience but also one of fairness and transparency. By incorporating taxes into the overall ticket cost, passengers could avoid the burden of cash payments while providing a smoother experience at the airport.

The current system of collecting airport taxes directly from passengers, rather than through airlines—common practice in many other countries—poses additional challenges regarding efficiency and accountability. Stakeholders suggest that the government should collaborate with airlines to adjust ticket prices, creating a standardized approach to airport fees.

With ongoing complaints and calls for reform, it is crucial for authorities to address the concerns raised by passengers and explore more efficient and passenger-friendly solutions. As the travel landscape evolves, prioritizing the convenience and satisfaction of travelers is essential for fostering a positive atmosphere at Freetown International Airport and enhancing Sierra Leone’s appeal as a travel destination.

Comment(s)

Disclaimer: Comments expressed here do not reflect the opinions of Sierraloaded or any employee thereof.

| 2024-10-27 09:05:21

This platform is slowly losing its relevance because of your imbalance write up. If you are analyzing issues like first you do is put things into context. What is airport tax, why did Sierra Leone implement it , how many other countries have similar systems, what is common among these countries and lastly provide public opinion on what has been the impact since implementation.
| 2024-10-23 08:51:55

Paying the Tax is not the problem, but the method of payment is the problem here. We are pleading with the Government to combine everything together. In US you pay Tax for everything, they value tax more than anything else. So our country should not be of different.
Saiedu Kamara | 2024-10-23 08:45:13

Trouble
Saiedu Kamara | 2024-10-23 08:44:27

This is insane and constantly the same
| 2024-10-23 00:24:59

That $50 tax it the Freetown air port should be removed and not add to the tucket because air port tax is part of the cost of tickets. This $50 return is one of the reasons most travelers are using Conakry and the ticket price is far cheeper to that of our Freetown route to any county.
| 2024-10-23 00:15:10

It is a sick and currupt thing
| 2024-10-22 18:07:29

This cash should just be incorporated into the ticket cost like other taxes. I live in East Africa and haven’t seen ANY/ANY airport where passengers are required to pay additional cash besides ticket cost. It’s so embarrassing, exploitative and primitive in this day and age.
Hks | 2024-10-22 16:14:32

Whoever wrote this article &/or the chief of this platform seems to had never traveled from lungi Airport and is progoverment .cash is not obligatory and le is acceptable.the question why to pay for security checkup! Police and immigration and Airport authorities are already there ...it's just a corrupt practiceby some men or some women.what about the furry and 🛥 costs...travel first before you write nonsense ..is this all above nonsense a tourism driven factor
| 2024-10-22 15:53:41

The tax is a shame to the airport, as are the expensive cafes (both before as after security), where it is not possible to have any affordable meal. Also the lack of public transport with fixed prices to Tahrin. It all seems to fit in the expensive is luxury framing, which is totally not applicable to all passengers.
| 2024-10-22 15:19:04

This $50 tax for airport security for passengers entering and leaving the country has to be removed from the system because it is worrisome for us passengers. I always find it challenging any time I visit Sierra Leone.
| 2024-10-22 15:03:26

This is not correct. You can pay the tax through digital payments In the last 6 months, I have paid tax for my self and others for inward and outbound flights using my Ecobank. I understand that UBA, SLCB and RCB offer the same services.