Liberian President’s Plane Involved in Landing Scare, Investigation Underway

The Liberia Airport Authority (LAA) has confirmed an incident involving the presidential jet carrying President Joseph Boakai, which experienced a landing scare at Roberts International Airport (RIA) on Thursday night.

The private aircraft, returning from Nigeria where President Boakai attended the 50th anniversary of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), suffered a tire blowout upon landing, causing a sudden halt on the runway. Emergency protocols were swiftly activated, and the President, along with his entourage, was safely evacuated without injury.

The incident led to temporary flight disruptions, with several airlines suspending operations until the aircraft was cleared from the runway. The LAA has assured the public that the airport’s runway infrastructure remains fully compliant with international aviation safety standards and has dismissed speculation that poor runway conditions contributed to the malfunction.