International flights suspended in Sierra Leone - Freetown-Lungi airport

RPS has received reports that several international airlines have suspended flights to and from Sierra Leone's Freetown-Lungi International Airport since 8 March.

This development came after an inspection by UN aviation regulators revealed that the only fire engine at the airport had broken down, leaving the airport without any firefighting capabilities. So far, reports have confirmed that British Airways and Kenya Airways have cancelled all flights to and from the facility. Further details remain unavailable.

In response to the inspection by the UN, the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) has downgraded the safety rating of the airport. It is therefore likely that further international airlines with operations at the airport may suspend services there for an indefinite duration.

In light of the short notice of cancellations, an increase in demand for alternative international flights is likely in the coming days. Travellers planning to undertake travel to or from Freetown-Lungi International Airport are advised to contact their travel provider, airline or the airport to confirm the status of their flight(s).

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Thanks to Red24 for this information

Photo: Courtesy of Kippster