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
Bo Airport (KBS), also identified by its ICAO code GFBO, is a regional aviation facility serving Bo, the second-largest city in Sierra Leone. Located in the Southern Province, the airport provides a vital air link for domestic regional travel, humanitarian missions, and diplomatic flights. Unlike the major international hub in Freetown, Bo Airport is a smaller, more specialized facility that plays a key role in connecting the country's interior with the capital and other regional centers. The airport sits at an elevation of approximately 328 feet (100 meters) above sea level, surrounded by the tropical landscape typical of southern Sierra Leone.
The terminal infrastructure at KBS is modest and designed for low-volume regional traffic. It consists of a single-story building that houses all passenger processing functions, including a small check-in area and a functional waiting lounge. The layout is straightforward, with arrivals and departures occurring within the same general-purpose facility. The infrastructure is primarily geared towards supporting light turboprop aircraft and helicopters, which are common for intra-country travel. The facility is managed by the Sierra Leonean Airports Authority (SLAA) and includes small administrative offices for on-site staff.
Airside facilities are characterized by a 1,220-meter (4,003 ft) dirt/unpaved runway (04/22). Because the runway is not paved, flight operations are highly dependent on seasonal weather conditions, particularly during the rainy season when the surface can become soft. The airport is strictly restricted to daylight operations, as there is no runway lighting for night landings. Safety and security are managed at a basic level, with standard screening procedures for passengers and baggage before boarding. The apron area provides a simple parking zone for small aircraft, where boarding and disembarking are handled manually.
Amenities at Bo Airport are extremely limited, and travelers should be prepared for a rustic and functional environment. There are no on-site cafes, retail shops, or formal dining services within the terminal building. Basic seating is available in the waiting area, but travelers are strongly advised to bring their own food and water. Ground transportation to the Bo city center is typically handled via local taxis or private hire vehicles, which are best arranged in advance. The proximity of the airport to the town allows for a relatively quick transfer to local guesthouses and regional services, making it a convenient entry point for those working in the Southern Province.
๐ Connection Tips
Bo Airport (KBS) is a vital regional aviation facility in the Southern Province of Sierra Leone, serving the country's second-largest city and the surrounding diamond-mining and agricultural communities. The airport primarily handles domestic flights and private charters operated by regional air taxis, connecting Bo 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 4-hour road transfer via the Bo-Freetown highway. Upon arrival at the Bo airstrip, expect extremely basic infrastructure. The airfield features a single paved runway but 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 'okadas' (motorbikes) for transit into the city center, which is located approximately 5 kilometers from the strip. Most visitors coordinate a pickup through their local host or a specialized agency. 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 lead to localized flight groundings. Travelers should ensure they have sufficient Sierra Leonean Leones (SLL) in cash, as card systems and ATMs are limited outside of the capital. When connecting from Bo back to an international flight in Freetown, always allow for a minimum 24-hour buffer to account for the unpredictable nature of regional aviation. This is a frontier location where local knowledge and preparedness are the keys to a successful connection.
โ Back to Lungi International Airport