Sierra Leone Suspends Controversial US$25 Airport Security Fee Amid Public Outcry

By CTV Africa

Freetown, Sierra Leone – The Government of Sierra Leone has suspended the controversial US$25 Airport Security Fee at the Freetown International Airport, a levy that has long drawn criticism from travelers and civil society groups over concerns about transparency, accountability and its impact on the cost of air travel.

In a public notice issued on 3 July 2026, the Ministry of Internal Affairs announced that the fee will be temporarily suspended from Monday, 6 July 2026, pending a comprehensive review of the existing contract framework.

According to the ministry, the suspension will remain in effect until further notice as authorities undertake an independent Special Audit led by the Audit Service Sierra Leone (ASSL). The review is also expected to pave the way for a more integrated and efficient collection system that reduces inconvenience for passengers.

The announcement comes after years of public concern over the airport security charge, with many Sierra Leoneans repeatedly questioning how the revenue generated from the fee has been utilized. Critics have argued that despite millions of dollars believed to have been collected over the years, there has been little public disclosure on how the funds have improved airport security or infrastructure.

The fee, charged separately from airline tickets, has often been cited as one of the factors contributing to the high cost of traveling to and from Sierra Leone. Travelers, particularly members of the diaspora and business community, have consistently called for greater transparency and accountability regarding its collection and expenditure.

While announcing the suspension, the Ministry emphasized that the move does not terminate the existing operating contract. It said Securiport (SL) Limited, the company responsible for managing aspects of the airport’s security technology, will continue maintaining its core technological systems and recording inbound and outbound passenger traffic data during the review period.

“The strategic pause is intended to facilitate the completion of an ongoing independent Special Audit by the Audit Service Sierra Leone (ASSL) and to evaluate a more seamless, integrated collection system that eliminates public inconvenience for traveling passengers,” the ministry said.

Airport authorities have been instructed to ensure a smooth transition when the suspension takes effect on Monday.

The government’s decision is likely to be welcomed by travelers and transparency advocates, many of whom have argued that any future decision on the security fee should be guided by the findings of the audit and accompanied by clear public reporting on how airport security revenues are managed.

The outcome of the audit is expected to determine whether the fee will be reinstated, restructured, or replaced under a new framework as the government seeks to restore public confidence in the management of airport security charges.