-Flights Disrupted as Runway Blocked
By Jerromie S. Walters
MONROVIA — A private jet carrying President Joseph Nyuma Boakai and his delegation narrowly avoided disaster Thursday evening, May 29, 2025, after a harrowing landing incident at Roberts International Airport (RIA). The aircraft, returning from Lagos, Nigeria, where the President attended ECOWAS’ 50th-anniversary celebrations, skidded to an abrupt halt on the active runway following a reported tire burst, forcing the cancellation of multiple international flights.
The incident triggered immediate airport emergency protocols, with fire and rescue teams rushing to the scene. President Boakai was swiftly evacuated via his official motorcade, while members of his delegation were transported off the tarmac in an airport shuttle bus.
The stranded jet paralyzed operations at RIA for hours, forcing airlines such as Kenya Airways and Air Peace to cancel inbound flights indefinitely. Airport authorities worked through the night to clear the runway, but the disruption left hundreds of passengers stranded, with no immediate timeline for normal operations to resume.
No Official Statement from the E-Mansion
As of press time, the Executive Mansion has remained silent on the incident, leaving unanswered questions about the condition of the aircraft, potential injuries, and whether mechanical failure or pilot error contributed to the near crash. Aviation experts suggest that a blown tire during landing—especially on a wet or poorly maintained runway—can lead to loss of control, raising concerns about RIA’s safety protocols.
This incident adds to growing scrutiny over Liberia’s aviation infrastructure. In recent years, RIA has faced criticism for aging runway conditions, inadequate emergency response systems, and inconsistent maintenance standards.
Roberts International Airport (RIA), Liberia’s primary gateway to the world, was thrown into complete darkness on Sunday, March 30, 2025, following a sudden power outage that disrupted airport operations and left passengers struggling to navigate the terminal using their phone lights. The incident reignited concerns about Liberia’s failing infrastructure and the government’s misallocation of resources.
The power outage, which occurred at approximately 5:00 PM, came at a critical moment—just as an SN Brussels Airlines flight landed at RIA. With no backup electricity, passengers arriving from the flight were left in a state of confusion and frustration. Instead of being welcomed by a well-lit terminal, they were met with darkness, forcing them to use their mobile phone flashlights to collect their baggage.
Eyewitnesses described a scene of disorganization and distress as airport staff struggled to manage operations. “It was humiliating for a country’s main airport to be in complete darkness,” said one frustrated traveler. “We had to light our own way—it was shocking to experience this in 2025.”
