By Josephine Sesay

The Ministry of Internal Affairs has announced the temporary suspension of the US$25 Airport Security Fee charged at the Freetown International Airport, effective Monday, 6 July 2026, as the Government undertakes a comprehensive review of the fee’s operational framework.

In a public notice issued on Thursday 2nd July, 2026, the Ministry stated that the suspension will remain in effect until further notice, following a ministerial directive aimed at reviewing the existing contractual arrangement and improving the efficiency of the airport security fee collection system.

According to the Ministry, the review will facilitate the completion of an independent Special Audit currently being conducted by the Audit Service Sierra Leone (ASSL). It will also provide an opportunity to develop a more seamless and integrated mechanism for collecting airport-related fees, with the objective of reducing inconvenience for passengers and improving overall service delivery.

The Ministry clarified that the suspension does not constitute the termination of the existing contract with Securiport (SL) Limited. The company will continue to perform its core technological and security-related functions, including the processing and management of standard inbound and outbound passenger data. The Ministry further noted that the directive excludes holders of diplomatic passports.

Airport authorities and all relevant stakeholders have been instructed to ensure full compliance with the new measures to facilitate a smooth transition when the suspension takes effect.

The Ministry also expressed appreciation to the travelling public for their patience, cooperation, and understanding during the review period. It reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to promoting transparency, enhancing operational efficiency and improving service delivery at the country’s main international gateway.

The temporary suspension is expected to provide the Government with the opportunity to evaluate the current fee collection arrangement and implement reforms that will streamline airport operations while making the travel experience more convenient and efficient for passengers.

Copyright –Published in Expo Times News on Monday, 6th July 2026 (ExpoTimes News – Expo Media Group (expomediasl.com)