NLe 500m Chinese investment confirmed for Lungi Airport expansion — 2,000 jobs coming

FREETOWN, Sierra Leone — Sierra Leone has secured a landmark investment deal worth NLe 500 million (approximately USD 20 million) from a Chinese state-backed infrastructure consortium for the expansion of Lungi International Airport.

The deal, announced jointly by the Ministry of Transport and Aviation and the Sierra Leone Ports Authority, covers the construction of a new international terminal building, extended runway capacity, and a modern cargo hub capable of processing perishable goods for export.

What is being built

According to official project documents obtained by Salone Buzz, the expansion covers three major components:

• New International Terminal — 18,000 square metres, capacity for 5 million passengers annually (up from current 800,000)
• Runway Extension — accommodating wide-body aircraft including Boeing 777 and Airbus A380
• Cargo Complex — cold-chain facilities for fish, cocoa, and agricultural exports

Construction is expected to begin in Q4 2026, with the first phase of the new terminal operational by 2028. The full project is scheduled for completion by 2030.

2,000 jobs during construction

The investment is projected to create approximately 2,000 direct jobs during the construction phase, with a further 800 permanent positions once the expanded facility is operational. The government has committed that at least 70% of construction workers will be Sierra Leonean nationals.

What this means for travellers

The expansion is expected to attract new direct routes from European and Middle Eastern carriers. Currently, only Brussels Airlines, Air Maroc, and a handful of regional operators serve Lungi. Industry analysts believe direct routes from London, Paris, and Dubai could become viable once the new terminal is complete.

For residents and businesses in the Lungi area, the airport expansion is expected to significantly boost property values, hospitality demand, and logistics opportunities.

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