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Sierra Leone, which has been on the European Union’s aviation blacklist since 2008, is charting a path to regain access to EU airspace. Airlines registered in Sierra Leone or holding an Air Operating Certificate (AOC) from the country are currently prohibited from flying into EU territories due to safety concerns.
The Sierra Leone Civil Aviation Authority (SLCAA), led by Director General Musayeroh Barrie, has made significant strides toward addressing these issues. Since taking office last year, Barrie has spearheaded two successful meetings with the EU Safety Commission. These discussions resulted in an agreed roadmap aimed at lifting the ban by 2025, signalling a turning point for the nation’s aviation sector.
Meanwhile, the national carrier, Air Sierra Leone, is strategizing operations around the ban. Without an AOC from the SLCAA, the airline plans to operate regional routes using a Nigerian AOC and UK routes under a UK-issued AOC. Both strategies ensure compliance with international regulations and sidestep restrictions imposed by the EU blacklist.
The roadmap’s implementation will require strict adherence to safety and operational standards to meet EU requirements. Stakeholders remain optimistic about achieving compliance and restoring Sierra Leone’s reputation in international aviation.
The EU aviation blacklist, a mechanism for ensuring safety across member states, continues to pose challenges for several nations.
