In a groundbreaking move, the Ministry of Transport and Aviation, on December 28, 2023, disclosed a transformative agreement with FIA Ltd. (formerly Summa Airport (SL) Ltd.) for the Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) arrangement at Freetown International Airport.
The pivotal development includes a comprehensive revision of airport charges, set to be enforced from March 1, 2024, and extending beyond. The altered fee structure encompasses adjustments in key areas, impacting passengers and airline operations.
Key Changes in Airport Charges:p
1. Passenger Service Charge:
– Present Charges:* $25
– New Charges:* $35
– Collected by FIA Ltd.
2. Airport Development Charge:
– Present Charges: $5
– New Charges (per year):
– 2024: $100
– 2025: $101
– 2026: $102
– Incremental increase of $1 yearly for 33 years.
3. Airport Safety Fee:
– Present Charges: $0.00
– New Charges: $20
– Collected by FIA Ltd.
4. Air Navigation Charge:
– Present Charges: $0.00
– New Charges: $20
– Collected by Sierra Leone Airports Authority.
The Ministry urges the Board of Airlines Representative (BAR) to seek International Air Transport Association (IATA) adjustments for items one to four in the table.
Notably, the Aviation Security Charge remains unchanged at $39 per international departing passenger, collected by FIA Ltd.
Furthermore, in collaboration with FIA Ltd., the Government introduces Aeronautical Fees, effective March 1, 2024. All fees are mandated to be paid in USD to FIA Ltd.’s USD bank accounts.
New Aeronautical Fees Include:
1. Landing Charges (per ton for International and Domestic aircraft):
– Up to 8.00 tons: $28.00 per ton
– 8.01 to 25.00 tons: $0.00
– 25.01 to 50.00 tons: $4.60 per ton
– 50.01 to 150.00 tons: $6.60 per ton
– 150.01 to 200.00 tons: $8.30 per ton
– Over 200 tons: $9.60 per ton
2. Parking Fee: $3.05 per ton/hr
3. Shelter Fee: $4.36 per ton/day
4. Cargo Royalty Fee: $5.46 per 0.2 kg
5. Fuel Charge: $6.35 per 0.1/Liter
This official announcement supersedes previous correspondence, aiming to enhance Freetown International Airport’s development and operational efficiency in the coming years.
