Freetown, Sierra Leone – 11 July 2026 — The Sierra Leone Civil Aviation Authority (SLCAA) has issued a public notice outlining temporary airport access arrangements at Freetown International Airport in Lungi during the upcoming ECOWAS Summit, scheduled for 17 to 19 July 2026.
As Sierra Leone prepares to host the high-profile regional summit, authorities are implementing enhanced security and traffic management measures to ensure the safe and efficient movement of delegates, passengers, and airport users.
According to the official notice, commercial flights will continue to operate as scheduled throughout the three-day period, but passengers and cargo handlers should anticipate changes in access procedures.
Key temporary arrangements include:
– Sea Coach and Sea Bird passengers are advised to use the designated access route to the airport terminal and strictly follow directional signs and instructions from security personnel.
– Ferry or road travelers heading to Lungi must assemble at the Old Airport Terminal, where shuttle buses will transport them to the main airport terminal via the designated route.
– Terminal access will be strictly limited to passengers holding valid travel documents and authorized airport personnel. Meeters and greeters will not be permitted inside the terminal during this period.
– Cargo operations will see incoming shipments received between 17 and 19 July stored at the cargo terminal. Cargo will be available for collection starting 20 July 2026.
The SLCAA is urging all travelers to allow extra time for their journeys and to fully comply with security and traffic management instructions.
“These temporary arrangements support the safe, secure and efficient movement of delegates, passengers and airport users throughout the ECOWAS Summit,” the notice states.
Normal operations are expected to resume once the summit concludes.
The measures reflect standard high-level security protocols commonly adopted by host nations during major international gatherings. Travelers are encouraged to check with their airlines for any flight-specific updates and to monitor official SLCAA communications for further guidance.
