New security measures at Lungi Airport

A statement from the Ministry of Transport and Aviation in collaboration with the Sierra Leone Airports Authority (SLAA), has informed the general public that effective May this year, the Westminster Aviation Security Services (WASS), a division of the Westminster Group Plc., a British company which operates in forty six countries worldwide, has assumed responsibility for aviation security thereby enhancing safety at the Freetown International Airport under the oversight of the Sierra Leone Civil Aviation Authority (SLCAA).

The statement also stated that the WASS will upgrade the existing security apparatus at the Lungi Airport and introduce new detection and surveillance technologies both within the passenger and cargo terminals. It also disclosed that extensive national training of security personnel will be conducted to achieve international standards.

According to the statement, the WASS will also provide new technologies to protect the airport and its perimeter. It was also disclosed that specialists and highly effective substance detection dogs that are capable of detecting a wide range of prohibited substances hidden in luggage and cargo have been deployed at the airport and are now in operation.

That statement concluded that in order to enhance aviation and security safely, and contribute to the rebranding of the country’s image, the Ministry of Transport and Aviation, the Sierra Leone Civil Aviation and the Management of the Sierra Leone Airport Authority advice passengers and the general public to be aware of the new security measures and adhere strictly to the procedures that have been put in place.