Getting there
Security screening at Freetown International Airport, Lungi
Short answer
- Regulator
- Sierra Leone Civil Aviation Authority 1
- Legal basis
- Civil Aviation Act 2023, section 15(2)(h) 1
- Security services contract
- Summa Airports Limited with Westminster Aviation Security Services, signed 25 April 2023 2
- Screeners in 2025 trials
- Over 120 aviation security screeners 3
- Certification rule
- All screeners must be certified, per SLCAA 3
- Border technology
- Securiport, under a government contract 5
Who regulates and who operates
The Civil Aviation Act 2023 sets the object of the Sierra Leone Civil Aviation Authority as promoting the safety, security and facilitation of civil aviation 1. Section 15(2)(h) makes the Authority responsible for enforcing the National Civil Aviation Security Programme 1. Section 15(2)(o) lets it make regulations on security measures to safeguard civil aviation 1.
The day to day service is contracted. Premier Media reported that Westminster Aviation Security Services and Summa Airports Limited signed an agreement on 25 April 2023 to provide aviation security services at Freetown International Airport 2. The deal was made under the guidance of the Ministry of Transport and Aviation and the Civil Aviation Authority, the report said 2. The contract value and term were not published in sources found for this page.
| Body | Role in screening |
|---|---|
| Sierra Leone Civil Aviation Authority 1 | Regulator. Enforces the national security programme and certifies screeners 1,3 |
| Summa Airports Limited 2 | Terminal operator. Holds the security services contract 2 |
| Westminster Aviation Security Services 2 | Contractor for aviation security services at the airport 2 |
| Securiport (SL) Limited 5 | Border technology and passenger data logging 5,6 |
How screeners are trained and certified
On 17 February 2025 the Civil Aviation Authority began trials of SIMFOX, a Simulator for X-ray Operators, at Freetown International Airport 3. Over 120 aviation security screeners took part 3. SLCAA said the trials follow the National Civil Aviation Security Certification Programme, which requires all screeners to be certified 3. It cited ICAO Annex 17, Standard 3.4.4, on certification of screening staff 3.
From 17 to 20 March 2025 the Authority hosted a four-day course on inspecting security equipment with the European Civil Aviation Conference 4. The course was part of the CASE II project and covered inspection, maintenance and operation of screening equipment 4. SLCAA said staff from the Authority and the airport attended 4.
Border checks at the same airport
Passport control and passenger logging are border functions. The Immigration Department runs them with equipment supplied by Securiport 5,6.
The Immigration Department reported that its Audit Committee inspected Securiport equipment at the airport on 20 June 2026 6. That equipment included enrolling cameras, scanners, monitors and electronic gate booths 6. The committee found it in good working order 6.
The US$25 Airport Security Fee has been paid directly to Securiport since 1 September 2022 7. The Ministry of Internal Affairs suspended it from 6 July 2026 until further notice 5.
What is not confirmed
No official list of prohibited items, liquid limits or screening steps for Freetown International Airport was found for this page. SLCAA publishes notices on its official website, which is the place to check before travel 3. The airline you fly with sets its own baggage rules.
Common questions
Who screens bags at Freetown airport?
Summa Airports Limited contracted Westminster Aviation Security Services on 25 April 2023 for aviation security services at the airport 2.
Who checks that screeners are qualified?
The Sierra Leone Civil Aviation Authority. It says all screeners must be certified under the national certification programme 3.
Who gets the US$25 airport security fee?
Passengers paid it directly to Securiport from 1 September 2022 7. It was suspended from 6 July 2026 5.
Are there electronic gates at Lungi?
Yes. The Immigration Department listed electronic gate booths among the Securiport equipment it inspected on 20 June 2026 6.
Rules and charges change. Check the official source linked on this page before you pay or travel. Spotted an error? Email hello@sierraleoneairportguide.com.
Sources
- Sierra Leone Civil Aviation Authority: Civil Aviation Act 2023, Act No. 27 of 2023 (gazetted 29 June 2023)
- Premier Media, as reported by Austin Thomas: Summa Group signs security services contract with Westminster (May 2023)
- Sierra Leone Civil Aviation Authority: SLCAA conducts trials of SIMFOX system for aviation security screeners (20 February 2025)
- Sierra Leone Civil Aviation Authority: Training on best practices for security equipment inspection (20 March 2025)
- Premier Media, as reported by Matthew Bakarr and George M.O. Williams: Government suspends USD 25 Airport Security Fee (6 July 2026)
- Sierra Leone Immigration Department: Audit Committee inspects Freetown International Airport (20 June 2026)
- The Sierra Leone Telegraph, as reported by Abdul Rashid Thomas: Cost of air travel to Sierra Leone goes up (1 September 2022)
Related
- Sierra Leone Civil Aviation Authority (SLCAA)
The SLCAA's legal basis, functions, the charges it may levy under the Civil Aviation Act 2023, its EU air safety list status and audit findings.
- Passenger data and border technology at Freetown International Airport
Who logs passenger data at Lungi, what the law says on advance passenger information, the Securiport role and the July 2026 fee suspension.
- The US$25 airport security fee at Freetown
History and status of the US$25 airport security fee at Freetown International Airport, paid to Securiport and suspended from 6 July 2026.
- Departing from Freetown International Airport
What departing passengers at Freetown International Airport pay and need: Foreign Travel Tax, security fee status, exit rules and transfer to Lungi.
- The new terminal at Freetown International Airport, Lungi
Facts on the Lungi terminal opened on 3 March 2023: the Summa build, operate and transfer deal, cost, concession term and what was built.