Quote from Alex bobby on June 3, 2025, 6:32 AM

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

Flights were briefly halted at Liberia’s Roberts International Airport (RIA) on Thursday night after a private jet carrying President Joseph Boakai experienced a landing gear malfunction during descent, triggering panic and widespread concern across the nation.

The incident occurred as President Boakai was returning from Nigeria, where he had attended the 50th anniversary celebration of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). He was accompanied by members of his entourage aboard the presidential jet, which reportedly encountered technical issues just as it prepared to land in Monrovia.

According to the Liberia Airport Authority (LAA), part of the plane’s landing gear failed, causing a rough landing that left one of the aircraft’s tires burst and the jet immobilised on the runway. The mishap disrupted all other air traffic, leading to the cancellation of scheduled commercial flights for the remainder of the night.

A Nation Holds Its Breath

As news of the landing scare spread, anxiety rippled across the country. Photos of the damaged jet quickly made their way onto social media, sparking speculation and fears over the president’s well-being. Fortunately, President Boakai was safely evacuated from the aircraft along with his team, and no injuries were reported.

In an official statement issued late Thursday, the Liberia Airport Authority confirmed the “unfortunate near-accident situation” and clarified that safety procedures were followed to ensure the swift removal of the aircraft and restoration of normal airport operations.

The LAA also dismissed rumors suggesting that deteriorating runway conditions might have contributed to the incident.

"The runway infrastructure remains fully compliant with international aviation safety standards," the LAA stated, seeking to quell concerns about broader aviation safety at Liberia’s busiest airport.

A Close Call for a President Just Months Into Office

President Boakai, who assumed office in January 2024 after a closely contested election, has only been in power for a few months. The near-crash has understandably raised questions about the safety of the aircraft used for presidential travel and the preparedness of airport authorities to handle emergency situations.

Though visibly composed, Boakai made no reference to the incident during his brief exchange with journalists at the airport after disembarking. The Liberian presidency has yet to release an official statement, but photos shared online showed the president greeting officials on the tarmac, a reassuring sign that he was unshaken by the event.

Political and Public Reactions

Reactions to the incident have varied. Supporters of the president expressed gratitude for his safety and called for a thorough review of aviation protocols to prevent similar incidents in the future. Others took to social media to question the maintenance standards of the presidential fleet and demanded transparency in the investigation.

Opposition voices have also weighed in, with some calling on the government to conduct an audit of all state-owned and chartered aircraft to ensure they meet international standards.

Aviation analysts note that while runway and weather conditions may not have played a role this time, aircraft mechanical issues—especially those affecting landing gear—can be life-threatening if not detected and addressed in advance.

Investigation Underway

The Liberia Airport Authority has confirmed that an investigation is currently underway to determine the exact cause of the malfunction. While no specific timeline has been given for its completion, the LAA promised to keep the public informed of any developments.

“At this stage, investigation to establish the actual cause of the incident is ongoing, and the airport authority will keep the public informed,” the statement read.

For now, the disabled aircraft has been safely removed from the runway, and flight operations at RIA have resumed. Passengers whose flights were cancelled or delayed due to the incident have been advised to check with their airlines for updates and rebooking options.

A Reminder of the Fragility of Air Travel

This incident serves as a stark reminder of the inherent risks associated with air travel, even at the highest levels of government. It also underscores the importance of stringent maintenance protocols, real-time safety checks, and emergency preparedness in aviation infrastructure.

Liberia, like many countries in the region, faces challenges in keeping its aviation facilities up to date. The quick response by airport authorities in this case is commendable, but it also highlights the need for continuous investment in aviation safety to protect both everyday travellers and high-profile government officials.

Conclusion

President Joseph Boakai’s safe landing despite a mechanical scare has offered a moment of relief for the nation. As investigations continue, Liberians will be watching closely for answers—and assurances—that such close calls won’t become the norm. The episode not only raises questions about presidential travel but also invites broader reflection on the country’s aviation infrastructure and emergency response capabilities.