โฐ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic โ Domestic
45
minutes
Domestic โ International
90
minutes
International โ Domestic
90
minutes
International โ International
120
minutes
Interline Connections
120
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
Freetown Lungi International Airport (FNA) is the primary international gateway to Sierra Leone, serving the capital city of Freetown. In March 2023, the airport underwent a historic transformation with the opening of a brand-new, USD 270 million state-of-the-art terminal. Managed by Summa Airports under a 25-year BOT concession, this sleek facility is three times larger than the previous terminal and has increased the airport's annual capacity to over 1.2 million passengers. Notably, it is the first fully green airport terminal in West Africa, powered by its own dedicated 1.5 MW solar farm.
The new terminal building offers a modern and sophisticated environment for travelers, featuring the latest in aviation technology and security systems. Inside, passengers find a spacious check-in area with ultramodern ICT infrastructure, efficient baggage handling systems, and comfortable waiting lounges. The facility includes a diverse range of commercial amenities, such as duty-free shops, restaurants, and cafes. For premium and government travelers, the airport features new presidential and VIP terminals, as well as a modernized air traffic control tower that ensures the highest standards of safety and compliance.
Lungi International is a key hub for regional and international connectivity, hosting major carriers such as Brussels Airlines, Royal Air Maroc, and Air Peace. The airport's rehabilitation also included a new parallel taxiway and expanded passenger aprons, positioning it as a competitive transit hub in the West African sub-region. As Sierra Leone continues to promote its tourism and business sectors, the airport plays a crucial role in attracting more international airlines and facilitating the flow of visitors to the country's stunning beaches and historic landmarks.
A unique aspect of traveling to Freetown via Lungi is the transit across the Sierra Leone River, as the airport is located on the mainland opposite the capital. The most efficient and scenic way to reach the city is by private water taxi or ferry, with services like Sea Coach Express and Sea Bird Express providing direct transfers that take approximately 30 minutes. These services typically include a shuttle from the terminal to the ferry dock. While a land route through Port Loko exists, it takes over three hours, making the water crossing the preferred choice for most travelers. Despite its location across the bay, the modernized Lungi International remains a cornerstone of Sierra Leone's economic growth and international reach.
๐ Connection Tips
Connecting through Freetown Lungi International Airport (FNA) requires unique logistical planning because the airport is separated from the Sierra Leonean capital by a wide estuary. The most critical step upon arrival or departure is paying the mandatory $25 USD security fee (Securiport). This can be paid online in advance or at a designated bank kiosk within the arrivals hall; you must retain your receipt, as it is required to pass through security checkpoints. For international arrivals, a visa-on-arrival is available for many nationalities, typically costing between $25 and $80 USD depending on your country of origin.
To reach Freetown city center, travelers must choose between a water taxi, a public ferry, or a long road journey. The water taxi is the most recommended option for speed and comfort, taking approximately 30 to 45 minutes to cross the water. Popular operators like Sea Coach Express and Sea Bird Express have desks in the arrivals hall where you can purchase tickets for around $40 to $45 USD. A shuttle bus will then transport you from the terminal to the jetty. The public ferry is significantly cheaper but can be unreliable and time-consuming, while the road route around the estuary takes four to five hours and is generally reserved for travel to the provinces.
Once at the docks in Freetown, numerous taxis and three-wheeled 'Kekes' are available for the final leg to your hotel. It is highly advisable to arrange a pickup through your accommodation in advance, especially for late-night arrivals. Within the terminal, you can find currency exchange booths and local mobile provider kiosks to obtain a SIM card. Arriving at least three hours before departure is recommended to navigate the security and ferry/water taxi coordination.
โฐ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic โ Domestic
45
minutes
Domestic โ International
90
minutes
Interline Connections
110
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
Kabala Airport (KBA), also known as the Kabala Aerodrome, is a small municipal airport and heliport serving the town of Kabala and the surrounding Koinadugu District in the Northern Province of Sierra Leone. As a primarily general aviation facility, it provides a vital air link to this mountainous region, which is often difficult to access by road during the rainy season. The airport is situated at an elevation of approximately 1,012 feet (308 meters) above sea level, offering a scenic entry point for those traveling to the Kabala Hills and the Wara Wara Mountains.
The terminal infrastructure at KBA is minimalist and reflects its role as a regional hub for non-commercial, NGO, and government aviation. It consists of a basic, single-story terminal building designed for low-volume passenger processing. Unlike larger international facilities, there is no complex layout of gates or concourses; instead, all functions including check-in, passenger waiting, and arrivals occur within a single general-purpose area. The facility is primarily geared towards providing shelter and basic organization for travelers arriving or departing on chartered flights.
Amenities at Kabala Airport are extremely limited, and travelers are encouraged to be fully self-sufficient. Within the terminal building, there are no retail shops, duty-free outlets, or formal dining services. Basic seating is provided in the waiting area, but electricity and other modern services may be intermittent. Because of the limited facilities, visitors should ensure they have their own water and essential supplies before heading to the airport. The Sierra Leone Transportation Authority has initiated projects to improve ground facilities, but at present, the experience remains rustic and focused on essential air transport.
Ground transportation between the airport and Kabala town, located just 2 to 3 kilometers away, is usually handled via local taxis or private hire vehicles. There are no dedicated airport shuttle services, so arranging transport through a local contact or your accommodation provider is highly recommended. The airport's proximity to the town center makes for a quick transfer, allowing visitors to reach local guesthouses and amenities shortly after landing. For those planning to trek in the nearby mountains, the airport serves as an ideal base for logistics and equipment organization.
๐ Connection Tips
Kabala Airport (KBA) is an exceptionally remote regional aviation facility located in the Koinadugu District of northern Sierra Leone, serving the town of Kabala near the border with Guinea. The airport stands as a vital air link for this isolated region, which is often difficult to reach by road due to the challenging mountain terrain and the state of the regional highways. It primarily handles domestic flights and private charters operated by regional air taxis, connecting Kabala to the national hub at Freetown (FNA). For international travelers, the journey requires first flying into Freetown and then taking a short domestic flight or a 6 to 8-hour road transfer. Upon arrival at the Kabala airstrip, expect extremely basic infrastructure.
The airfield features a single unpaved runway and lacks a formal terminal building, commercial dining, or retail services. Travelers must be entirely self-sufficient, bringing their own food, water, and essential medical supplies. Ground transportation is highly informal, consisting primarily of local private vehicles or motorbikes for transit into the town center, which is located just a few kilometers from the strip. Most visitors coordinate a pickup through their local host or a specialized aid organization. Before traveling to this part of Sierra Leone, ensure you have all required regional permits and are up to date on malaria prophylaxis and yellow fever vaccinations.
The regional climate is tropical and humid, with a significant rainy season from May to October that can make the unpaved airstrip soft and unusable. Travelers should ensure they have sufficient Sierra Leonean Leones (SLL) in cash, as card systems and ATMs are virtually non-existent in this part of the interior. When connecting back to an international flight from Freetown, always allow for at least a full day's buffer to account for the unpredictable nature of domestic travel in Sierra Leone. This is a frontier location where local knowledge and preparedness are the keys to a successful connection.
โ Back to Lungi International Airport