Sierra Leone-Certified Airlines Banned from European Union Airspace

Airlines certified by Sierra Leonean aviation authorities are among 129 carriers worldwide banned from operating in European Union (EU) airspace, according to the latest EU Air Safety List.

Sierraloaded understands that the ban includes all airlines under the regulatory oversight of Sierra Leone Civil Aviation Authority (SLCAA).

The December 2024 updated list identifies airlines deemed unsafe for European skies and includes carriers from several other African nations, including Angola, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Liberia, Libya, Sudan, and Zimbabwe.

African airlines represent nearly half of the banned carriers, with 55 airlines from 11 African countries included on the list.

The ban comes shortly after the launch of Air Sierra Leone, the country’s new national carrier, in October 2024.

Air Sierra Leone had announced plans to operate regional and international flights from Freetown International Airport to destinations including London, Lagos, Accra, Liberia, and Abidjan, utilizing a fleet of three aircraft: an Embraer and two Boeing 737s.

The Sierra Leonean government had stated that Air Sierra Leone would initially operate with a UK Air Operating Certificate (AOC) while working towards obtaining a Sierra Leonean AOC.

The airline had planned to begin accepting bookings on October 18, 2024, but announced a delay due to technical issues. The EU ban raises questions about the airline’s future operations, particularly its planned flights to London.

Airlines not on the EU Air Safety List can operate in Europe if they obtain necessary licenses and comply with relevant regulations.