A private jet carrying Liberian President Joseph Boakai experienced a near-crash incident on Thursday night, May 29, 2025, at Roberts International Airport (RIA), Liberia’s main aviation hub, after a landing gear malfunction led to a rough landing.
The incident temporarily grounded all flights, sparked panic among airport staff and passengers, and raised public concerns about aviation safety in the country.
Incident Details and Immediate Response
The Liberia Airport Authority (LAA) reported that a malfunction in the jet’s landing gear caused one of its tyres to burst upon touchdown, stranding the aircraft on the runway.
President Boakai, returning from Abuja, Nigeria, where he attended the 50th anniversary of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), was safely evacuated along with his entourage. No injuries were reported.
Local media, including FrontPageAfrica, shared images and a video on X showing the aftermath, with the jet immobilized on the runway.
Several flights, including those operated by Asky, Air Peace, Kenya Airways, and Air Maroc, were canceled as authorities worked to clear the obstruction.
Airport Operations and Official Statement
The LAA described the event as an “unfortunate near-accident situation” but reassured the public that RIA’s runway complies with international aviation safety standards.
The jet was removed from the runway later that night, allowing normal operations to resume. The LAA has launched an investigation to determine the exact cause of the malfunction and pledged to keep the public informed.
Conversely, President Boakai, speaking briefly to journalists at the airport, avoided discussing the incident, focusing instead on his ECOWAS engagements.
His silence contrasted with widespread social media discussions, where photos of the grounded jet fueled public concern and calls for improved aviation safety measures in Liberia.
Broader Implications
The incident has intensified scrutiny of Liberia’s aviation infrastructure, particularly given RIA’s role as a key regional hub.
While the LAA maintains that the airport meets global standards, the event underscores the challenges faced by smaller African nations in maintaining robust aviation systems amid economic constraints.
The investigation’s findings could prompt reforms to enhance safety protocols and prevent future incidents.
For now, President Boakai’s safe evacuation offers relief, but the disruption highlights the need for ongoing vigilance in aviation safety across West Africa.
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