Freetown, 11 December 2025 – The Sierra Leone Civil Aviation Authority (SLCAA) has issued an Advisory Circular (SLCAA-AC-ANS041-Rev. 00) warning all aviation stakeholders and the general public of potential hazardous weather conditions associated with the Harmattan season.
The advisory, released on 10th December 2025, highlights the risks posed by dust haze and reduced visibility during this period and outlines mandatory safety measures for pilots, airlines, air traffic services, aerodrome operators, and meteorological service providers.
Key directives in the advisory include:
*For Pilots:
– Avoid operations below minimum visibility thresholds and maintain strict situational awareness
– Obtain adequate and updated departure, en-route, and destination weather information and briefing from certified meteorological service providers before flight
– Operate under Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) during low-visibility conditions
*For Airlines:
– Conduct refresher training on low-visibility and dust operations
– Use Harmattan-related case studies for operational decision-making
*For Air Traffic Service Providers:
– Coordinate closely with pilots to ensure safe aircraft sequencing
*For Aerodrome Operators:
– Ensure runway lighting, markings, and signage remain fully visible and operational
– Increase frequency of runway inspections
*For Meteorological Service Providers:
– Provide timely and accurate weather information
– Issue hazard-specific warnings and advisories on dust haze
The SLCAA emphasized that all pilots, airlines, and aviation service providers must demonstrate full compliance with the Sierra Leone Civil Aviation Regulations (SLCARs) and approved Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) at all times.
In a closing statement, the Authority reaffirmed its commitment to building a safe, secure, and efficient civil aviation system in Sierra Leone.
The full Advisory Circular is available through official SLCAA channels.
