Freetown, Sierra Leone — Authorities have imposed a $100,000 fine on each of the four crew members involved in the unauthorized landing of a 14-seater aircraft at Freetown International Airport on September 20, 2024.
This penalty was a precondition for the release of both the individuals and the seized aircraft.
The incident had raised serious security concerns, with the aircraft being detained and its occupants—three Mexican nationals and a Spaniard—taken into custody. “Four individuals were found on board, including the captain,” confirmed the Ministry of Information and Civic Education in a statement issued today.
Following investigations, which involved the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) and international agencies, no contraband or illegal items were discovered on board. “Nothing of police interest was discovered on board the aircraft,” the Ministry stated.
The Director of Public Prosecutions recommended civil charges for violations of the Civil Aviation Act of 2023. According to the Ministry, these charges included “serving on an aircraft without a personnel certificate, operating an aircraft in Sierra Leone without an Air Operating Certificate, and flying over Sierra Leonean airspace without authorization.”
In addition to the $100,000 fine per individual, it was confirmed that there was “insufficient evidence to charge the two air traffic controllers” who had also been detained for questioning.
After the fines were paid on October 14, 2024, the crew members and the aircraft were released. “This matter is now considered closed,” the Ministry concluded.
The Ministry of Information and Civic Education reassured the public that it would continue to provide updates on such incidents.
