A viral WhatsApp screenshot claims that Sierra Leone has reopened its aircraft registry, offering free registration and enabling planes to land safely at Freetown International Airport. SLENA examined the claim, which originally surfaced on Facebook by Abdulai Bah and was later shared on X by West Africa Democracy Radio. SLENA-iVerify reached out to Sierra Leone Civil Aviation Authority (SLCAA) officials, including Director General Musayeroh Barrie and Safety Manager Arnold Bangura, to confirm the details.

SLCAA officials clarified that, while the aircraft registry system is indeed operational, the registration process is not free as the post suggests. Safety Manager Arnold Bangura emphasized that registration costs vary depending on the type and intended use of the aircraft. Prospective registrants must provide specific details about the aircraft to receive fee information and guidance materials, disproving the claim of free registration.

This fact-check highlights that, although the registry is open, the information circulating regarding free registration is misleading.