The Sierra Leone Civil Aviation Authority (SLCAA) has called on passengers affected by the recent delay of SN Brussels Flight SN 1241 to formally report any grievances, particularly if they believe they were treated unfairly during the disruption.
The flight, originally scheduled to depart Brussels for Freetown on Friday, 19th July 2025 at 12:30 p.m., was delayed by 24 hours due to what the SLCAA described as “unforeseen technical issues.” thereby forcing passengers without Schengen visa to sleep on bare floors at the airport.
In an official statement issued on 20th July 2015, the authority acknowledged the inconvenience and emphasized its commitment to upholding passengers welfare.
“The SLCAA remains committed to ensuring that all air travel in and out of Sierra Leone meets the highest standards of safety, transparency, and accountability,” the statement read.
Affected passengers have been asked to contact the SLCAA Consumer Protection Division through its toll-free line to report concerns or incidents of unfair treatment. This move aims to support those who may have been left without proper assistance, accommodation, or communication during the extended delay.
Under European Union regulation EC 261/2004, travelers departing from EU airports may be entitled to compensation or care when flights are delayed or canceled, unless the airline can prove the disruption was caused by extraordinary circumstances. While technical issues can sometimes fall into this exempt category, airlines are still expected to offer clear communication and appropriate support services.
Brussels Airlines, the operator of Flight SN 1241, has yet to release a detailed statement explaining the specific technical problem or the measures taken to support passengers during the delay.
Several affected travelers took to social media to express their frustration over the handling of the situation, with some reporting a lack of timely updates and assistance.
This incident highlights ongoing concerns about how international carriers manage disruptions on African routes. As air traffic into Sierra Leone grows particularly during holiday seasons and major national events regulators like the SLCAA face mounting pressure to protect passengers and maintain confidence in the aviation system.
SLCAA’s recent reforms, including stronger client protection, protocols align with African and global aviation standards, have been seen as steps in the right direction. However, observers say more public awareness is needed to ensure passengers understand their rights and take action when they are violated.
Passengers are advised to keep records of their tickets, boarding passes, receipts, and all correspondence with the airline as they pursue claims or lodge complaints.
