By Amin Kef (Ranger)
A Nigerian pilot has commended the Freetown International Airport at Lungi for its exceptional level of cleanliness, describing the facility as “spotless” and “very impressive” after landing in Sierra Leone.
The pilot, who shared a video of her arrival experience on social media, said she was astonished by the neatness and orderliness of the airport environment noting that it is one of the cleanest facilities she has encountered in her travels.
“Freetown, Sierra Leone, I was just astounded by how neat and how spotless the airport was. I was amazed and I just had to make a video. Just look at how spotless this airport is, I can almost say not a single grain of sand. This is super clean and very impressive,” she said in the widely circulated clip.
Her remarks have since attracted positive reactions online, with many Sierra Leoneans welcoming the compliment as a strong endorsement of the country’s improving standards in public service delivery, tourism readiness and international hospitality.
While acknowledging that airports around the world often maintain high levels of cleanliness in restricted operational spaces, the pilot said the standard observed at Freetown International Airport stood out more than expected.
“One thing that is consistent with all the airports I’ve gone to is that at least the airside of the airport is always sparkling clean. Honestly, if we can make the rest of the country this clean, it would be remarkable,” she added.
For many observers, the video has presented Sierra Leone in a positive light, especially in an era where public perception and digital reputation are increasingly shaped by social media narratives and testimonials. Tourism stakeholders believe that positive experiences shared by international travelers play a significant role in building confidence among visitors, boosting airline patronage and enhancing the country’s global image as a safe and welcoming destination.
Freetown International Airport, located at Lungi in Port Loko District, remains Sierra Leone’s main international aviation hub and the first entry point for thousands of visitors arriving in the country. As such, cleanliness, efficiency and overall customer service at the airport are seen as critical indicators of the nation’s readiness to compete in global travel and business space.
The commendation has also reignited discussions about the ongoing transformation within Sierra Leone’s aviation sector, particularly reforms being undertaken under the leadership of Madam Musayeroh Barrie, Director General of the Sierra Leone Civil Aviation Authority (SLCAA).
Sierra Leone’s aviation industry is said to be undergoing a visible shift toward stronger regulatory credibility, improved safety oversight and renewed international confidence, a development that industry players believe is essential to attracting investment, strengthening tourism and improving the country’s international connectivity.
Madam Musayeroh Barrie, appointed in August 2023, made history as Sierra Leone’s first female Director General of Civil Aviation. Her appointment has been described as a major milestone in a sector traditionally dominated by male leadership and technical conservatism. Since assuming office, she has been credited with steering the SLCAA through a demanding post-pandemic recovery period while laying a more modern foundation for long-term growth driven by professionalism and compliance with international aviation standards.
Aviation is often considered a gateway sector because of its direct impact on tourism, trade, foreign direct investment and diplomatic engagement. Stakeholders say Madam Musayeroh Barrie’s leadership has focused on strengthening key regulatory functions, improving compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards and restoring confidence among airlines and operational partners.
Her growing influence within Sierra Leone’s national development landscape was recently acknowledged when she was named among the 10 Most Influential Sierra Leoneans of 2025 by Salone Times. The recognition, which celebrates individuals driving progress across various sectors, was viewed by observers as a reflection of steady improvements in aviation governance and the increasing importance of air transport to Sierra Leone’s broader economic prospects.
Madam Musayeroh Barrie’s reform agenda is said to be driven by a solid academic and professional foundation. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, a Master’s degree in Business Administration, and a Diploma in Strategic Management and Leadership from the Chartered Management Institute (CMI) in the United Kingdom. She is also a certified Aviation Security Professional Manager (AVSEC PM), giving her professional expertise in security management within the aviation space.
Before her appointment as Director General, she served for more than a decade as Country Director for an international aviation security services provider, overseeing security operations at Freetown International Airport. Industry players believe that her experience at both operational and administrative levels has strengthened her ability to bridge regulatory standards with practical airport realities.
Since taking office, the SLCAA has reportedly intensified regulatory oversight and strengthened coordination with airlines and sector stakeholders, with renewed attention on safety management systems and global best practices. Sector analysts note that consistent improvements in airport operations, passenger experience and service delivery can significantly influence traveler confidence and airline sustainability in Sierra Leone.
Official data cited by Salone Times indicates that Sierra Leone had nine registered airlines operating in 2024, recording 127,177 arriving passengers and 120,657 departing passengers. The figures represent an estimated 5.5 percent increase in incoming passengers compared to 2023, suggesting gradual recovery in passenger movement and renewed confidence in the country’s air travel environment.
One of the major reform highlights attributed to Madam Musayeroh Barrie’s tenure has been her reported focus on compliance, certification processes, and institutional capacity-building within the SLCAA. A landmark achievement under her leadership was the issuance of Sierra Leone’s first Air Operator Certificate (AOC) since 2008; an aviation milestone widely seen as a major restoration of credibility to the country’s certification regime.
The reintroduction of the national flag carrier, Air Sierra Leone, alongside the revival of direct flight connectivity between Freetown and London, has further strengthened the message that Sierra Leone is rebuilding international confidence in its aviation operations after years of disruptions and limited route options.
Beyond regulatory milestones, Madam Musayeroh Barrie has also reportedly prioritized internal reforms within the SLCAA, focusing on staff training, performance management, accountability structures and the use of data-driven strategies in decision-making. Observers believe such reforms are gradually positioning the SLCAA as a more responsive and credible institution capable of handling modern aviation demands.
Her long-term strategy is also linked to sector planning and sustainability. In 2024, the SLCAA signed a Management Service Agreement with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), a move widely regarded as a strong vote of confidence in Sierra Leone’s reform direction. The agreement is expected to support the creation of key policy instruments including the Civil Aviation Master Plan (CAMP), the National Aviation Safety Plan (NASP) and the National Air Navigation Plan (NANP), which will guide safety oversight, infrastructure development and navigation planning for years to come.
Madam Musayeroh Barrie has also championed inclusion as part of her leadership identity, advocating youth empowerment and increased participation of women in the aviation sector. Reports indicate that more than 50 percent of SLCAA staff are under 40 years of age, with over 40 percent under 35, reflecting a demographic shift aligned with her vision of building the next generation of aviation professionals.
Under her leadership, Sierra Leone has further strengthened international partnerships with aviation authorities in the United Arab Emirates, Qatar and South Africa, relationships expected to support technical cooperation, regulatory benchmarking and expanded connectivity.
As Sierra Leone works to deepen regional integration and attract international investment, stakeholders believe the credibility of its aviation sector remains central to national progress. For many, the praise from the Nigerian pilot is not only a compliment to airport cleanliness, but also a positive signal that Sierra Leone’s aviation transformation efforts are being noticed beyond its borders.
With continued focus on safety, compliance, innovation and inclusive growth, Sierra Leone’s aviation sector appears poised for sustained improvement; guided by a Director General whose influence is steadily extending beyond the runway and into the broader national development conversation.
