Quote from Alex bobby on June 4, 2025, 8:06 AM

President Boakai's Plane in Near-Crash Scare at Liberia’s Main Airport

Flights were temporarily grounded at Liberia’s Roberts International Airport (RIA) on Thursday night after a private jet carrying President Joseph Boakai experienced a technical failure during landing. The incident, which saw part of the landing gear malfunction and a tire burst, caused panic and disrupted scheduled flights for the night.

The Liberian leader was returning from Nigeria, where he had attended the 50th anniversary celebration of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). President Boakai and his entourage were safely evacuated after the emergency landing, with no injuries reported.

A Nation in Suspense

As reports of the incident spread across local and international media, citizens took to social media to express concern and seek updates. Images of the stranded presidential jet began circulating online, prompting speculation about the condition of the president and the aircraft.

Airport authorities moved quickly to contain the situation. In a late-night statement, the Liberia Airport Authority (LAA) confirmed that the aircraft had encountered a “near-accident situation” due to a malfunctioning landing gear component. The rough touchdown left one tire burst and the jet immobilised on the runway, temporarily halting all other airport activity.

“The runway infrastructure remains fully compliant with international aviation safety standards,” the LAA emphasised, in an effort to counter growing public concern that poor runway conditions might have contributed to the incident.

A Close Call Early in Boakai’s Term

The scare came just months into President Boakai’s administration. After assuming office in January 2024, the former vice president now finds himself navigating a sensitive moment in his young presidency. While there is relief that no harm came to him or his team, the event has raised questions about aircraft maintenance and air travel safety for high-ranking officials.

Upon arriving at the airport after the emergency landing, President Boakai briefly addressed journalists but made no mention of the incident. The presidency has yet to release an official statement, though photos showing the president walking and greeting officials helped reassure the public of his safety.

Public and Political Reactions

News of the incident quickly drew reactions from across the political and civic spectrum. Supporters expressed gratitude for the president’s safety and called for a detailed safety audit of the presidential fleet. Critics, on the other hand, questioned why the aircraft had encountered such a failure and whether it was adequately maintained before the trip.

Some opposition figures suggested that the government conduct an aviation safety review, not only for presidential travel but also for the country’s broader fleet of public aircraft. Calls for transparency and urgency in the investigation were echoed by civil society organisations and aviation professionals.

Investigation Underway

The Liberia Airport Authority has confirmed that an investigation into the cause of the malfunction is ongoing. While no official timeline has been provided, the agency has pledged to keep the public informed as new information becomes available.

“At this stage, investigation to establish the actual cause of the incident is ongoing,” the LAA noted, adding that the damaged jet had been removed from the runway and that normal airport operations had resumed.

Passengers affected by the temporary closure have been advised to contact their airlines for updated travel plans and flight rebookings.

The Broader Aviation Context

This incident, though fortunately not fatal, has cast a spotlight on aviation safety in Liberia. It has reignited conversations about the state of the country’s infrastructure, including airport facilities and aircraft maintenance standards.

Experts warn that even minor oversights in routine aircraft inspections can lead to potentially catastrophic outcomes. The president’s jet, presumably subject to heightened standards of care, experiencing such an issue raises alarm bells about the safety of less-scrutinised flights.

While the swift response by airport officials has been praised, analysts argue that the country must invest more heavily in aviation oversight and staff training to prevent future incidents.

Conclusion

President Boakai’s safe evacuation following the aviation scare at Roberts International Airport has provided some relief to a deeply concerned public. As investigations continue, Liberians await not just answers, but assurances that rigorous safety protocols will be enforced moving forward.

This close call serves as a timely reminder of the fragility of air travel and the critical importance of maintaining robust aviation systems. Whether flying presidents or ordinary citizens, the safety of every passenger must remain a top priority in Liberia’s journey toward progress and development.