Flight operations at Roberts International Airport (RIA) in Liberia were temporarily suspended on Thursday night after a private jet carrying President Joseph Boakai encountered a landing gear malfunction during landing.
According to airport authorities, the presidential aircraft, returning from Nigeria, experienced a tyre burst upon approach, causing a rough and hazardous landing. The incident caused panic at the airport and led to the cancellation of all scheduled flights for the night.
Thankfully, President Boakai and his entourage were safely evacuated with no reported injuries. The president had been in Nigeria to attend the 50th anniversary of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
Photos of the stranded jet on the runway quickly circulated on social media, sparking public concern over the president’s safety. Eyewitnesses described the situation as tense and chaotic.
In an official statement, the Liberia Airport Authority (LAA) confirmed the “unfortunate near-accident” involving the presidential aircraft but dismissed rumors that poor runway conditions caused the incident.
Authorities confirmed that the damaged aircraft was successfully removed from the runway and that normal airport operations have since resumed. An investigation is ongoing to determine the exact cause of the malfunction.
While President Boakai did not publicly address the incident, he was seen arriving safely and briefly speaking with reporters at the airport.
The near-accident has reignited conversations about aviation safety in West Africa, especially when it involves heads of state and high-profile figures.
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