By Amin Kef (Ranger)

The Director General of the Sierra Leone Civil Aviation Authority (SLCAA), Madam Musayeroh Barrie, has represented Sierra Leone at the 2025 International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Facilitation Conference (FALC 2025) held from April 14 to 17, 2025 in Doha, Qatar. The high-level conference convened senior aviation officials from ICAO member states to discuss the future of global air transport under the theme: “Facilitating the Future of Air Transport.”

Throughout the conference, Madam Musayeroh Barrie engaged in strategic meetings with key ICAO leaders, including the President of the ICAO Council, the Secretary General and the head of the Air Transport Bureau (ATB). Discussions centered on strengthening Sierra Leone’s aviation sector, fostering cooperation and ensuring alignment with ICAO’s global standards.

The three-day conference, broadcast live via ICAO TV, focused on developing a forward-looking facilitation strategy for the aviation industry. Key discussion topics included:

• Agency Coordination


• Passenger Experience


• Cargo Release, Clearance and Automation


• Travel Document Integrity and Border Control


• Passenger Data Systems


• Innovation in Facilitation

Representing Sierra Leone on a high-level panel alongside other aviation experts and senior officials, Madam Musayeroh Barrie underscored the country’s progress in aviation safety, security and sustainability since November 2023. She highlighted the SLCAA’s efforts in compliance with ICAO regulations and its commitment to expanding Sierra Leone’s global aviation footprint.

A notable highlight of her participation was the announcement of a new international route by Air Sierra Leone. Madam Musayeroh Barrie shared the official public notice issued by the airline, confirming the launch of a direct flight from Freetown International Airport (FIA) to Gatwick Airport in London, United Kingdom; an important milestone for Sierra Leone’s aviation and tourism sectors.

FALC 2025 served as a unique platform for states and aviation industry stakeholders to collaborate on strategies aimed at adapting to the evolving dynamics of civil aviation. It also marked a continuation of ICAO’s commitment to enhancing global facilitation following key 2024 milestones, including the celebration of the Year of Facilitation, the 75th anniversary of Annex 9 (Facilitation) and ICAO’s 80th anniversary.

A key feature of the event was the high-level ministerial segment, where global leaders reaffirmed their dedication to improving international mobility, promoting seamless travel and strengthening the role of air transport in connecting communities.

It is also important to note that Madam Musayeroh Barrie had previously visited Doha in February 2025, where she held discussions with the Qatar Civil Aviation Authority on technical cooperation. Her leadership continues to position Sierra Leone as an emerging force in African aviation, particularly in the areas of security, compliance and modernization.

  https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/slcaa-dg-participates-in-icao-facilitation-conference-in-doha-qatar/