Sherbro International Airport

The closure was a direct result of the Sierra Leone Civil War. The conflict led to the collapse of the national economy, the destruction of infrastructure across the country, and the demise of the national carrier, Sierra Leone Airways, which operated most domestic routes. With no viable airline, no security, and no funds for maintenance, the airport, like many other regional airstrips in the country, was abandoned.

The site is currently an abandoned and disused airstrip. Satellite imagery confirms the location shows a single paved runway that is visibly degraded and unmaintained. There is significant vegetation overgrowth on and around the runway, and it is not used for any official aviation purposes. The associated terminal buildings and facilities, if any existed, are derelict or gone. The land is effectively dormant, awaiting redevelopment.

Historically known as Bonthe Airstrip, the airport was a vital transportation link for Sherbro Island. It connected the historically significant town of Bonthe, a key administrative and commercial hub during and after the colonial era, with the capital, Freetown, and other parts of the mainland. The airport primarily handled domestic passenger and cargo flights, operated by small propeller aircraft. It was crucial for government administration, trade, and providing essential services to the island, offering a much faster alternative to the primary mode of transport, which was by sea. The 'International' designation was likely aspirational or for customs purposes, as it did not handle regular international scheduled flights.

Prospects for reopening are very high and are directly tied to a major development project. The airport is a central piece of the infrastructure plan for the 'Sherbro Island City', a public-private partnership between the Government of Sierra Leone and Sherbro Alliance Partners (co-founded by actor Idris Elba). This project aims to build a new, climate-smart eco-city on the island. The master plan for this new city explicitly includes the redevelopment and modernization of the existing airport to serve as a critical gateway for tourism, business, and logistics. Therefore, the airport is not only planned for reopening but for a significant upgrade to support the ambitious goals of the Sherbro Island City project.