Londoners looking to travel to West Africa will find the most expensive option is Sierra Leone, with flights reaching £830 according to recently advertised fares by a Moroccan national carrier, Royal Air Maroc.

This price point puts Sierra Leone above other popular destinations served by the Moroccan carrier in West Africa.

Flying to Accra, Ghana costs £500, Lagos, Nigeria costs £600, Conakry, Guinea costs £630, Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire costs £490, Dakar, Senegal costs £630 while Banjul, Gambia is the cheapest costing £420.

Checks on other airlines show flights to Sierra Leone consistently rank among the most expensive in the region.

Industry experts point to recent adjustments in airport charges by the Sierra Leonean government as a major factor behind the high cost.

In December 2023, the Ministry of Transport and Aviation significantly increased several fees, including the Passenger Service Charge (up from $25 to $35) and a new $100 airport development charge, which will rise incrementally over the next 33 years. Additionally, a $40 airport safety fee and air navigation fee were introduced.

The Sierra Leone Civil Aviation Authority (SLCAA) clarified in February that these revised charges are embedded in the ticket price at the point of sale. On top of this, all passengers departing or arriving in Sierra Leone must pay a compulsory $25 Securiport Fee.

These exorbitant costs create a significant barrier for potential visitors. Tourist economies typically thrive on affordability, but high airfares make Sierra Leone a less accessible option, especially for budget travelers.

The impact goes beyond tourism. High airfare restricts travel for Sierra Leone’s own citizens, making business opportunities and family reunions more expensive, ultimately limiting connections and economic growth.

Finding a solution requires a collaborative effort. The Sierra Leonean government could explore ways to reduce aviation taxes and fees to make the country a more attractive destination for airlines. Airlines, in turn, could consider offering more budget-friendly options with fewer stopovers.