By: Saidu Jalloh
The Ministry of Internal Affairs has announced the temporary suspension of the US$25 Airport Security Fee charged to passengers at Freetown International Airport, effective Monday, 6 July 2026, pending a review of the existing contractual framework and the completion of an independent audit.
In a public notice issued on Friday, the Ministry stated that the suspension follows a ministerial directive and will remain in effect until further notice. According to the Ministry, the measure is intended to facilitate a comprehensive review of the current contractual arrangements governing the collection of the airport security fee.
The Ministry further explained that the temporary suspension will support the completion of an independent Special Audit being conducted by the Audit Service Sierra Leone (ASSL). The review is also expected to assess options for a more seamless and integrated fee collection system that will improve efficiency and reduce inconvenience for passengers travelling through the country’s main international gateway.
Officials clarified that the suspension does not constitute the termination of the existing operating contract. During the interim period, Securiport (SL) Limited will continue to operate its core technological systems and maintain records of standard inbound and outbound passenger traffic, excluding holders of diplomatic passports.
The Ministry has directed all relevant airport authorities and stakeholders to ensure full compliance with the directive to facilitate a smooth implementation of the suspension when it takes effect on 6 July 2026.
The Ministry also expressed appreciation to the travelling public for their continued cooperation and understanding while the audit and contractual review are being conducted.
The temporary suspension forms part of the Government’s broader efforts to strengthen transparency, improve accountability, and enhance the efficiency of airport security fee collection as the independent audit and contract review progress.