Presidential Jet Suffers Landing Gear Issue at RIA, Boakai Unhurt

Margibi County, Liberia: Air traffic was briefly halted at Roberts International Airport on Thursday night after a private jet transporting President Joseph Nyuma Boakai experienced a tense landing situation.

Authorities said the aircraft developed a fault with part of its landing gear while descending, leading to a hard landing on the runway. The development caused alarm at the airport and prompted the suspension of all scheduled flights for the night, according to local reports.

President Boakai and members of his delegation, who were returning from Nigeria, were safely evacuated with no injuries reported. Officials have since launched an investigation into the incident.

Despite the situation, the President briefly addressed reporters upon arrival but made no reference to the landing scare.

Images showing the aircraft stationary on the runway at the airport quickly spread across social media, raising public concern. Reports, quoting airport officials, indicated that one of the jet’s tires failed on impact, leaving the aircraft unable to move.

In a statement, the Liberia Airport Authority acknowledged what it described as a near-accident involving the presidential jet but rejected claims that runway conditions were to blame, maintaining that the facility meets international safety requirements.

The aircraft was later cleared from the runway, allowing airport operations to return to normal. The LAA said investigations are ongoing to determine the precise cause, assuring the public that updates will be provided.

The Liberian presidency has not issued a formal response, though it released photos of the President’s arrival from Nigeria, where he attended the 50th anniversary of the Economic Community of West African States.

This report is part of a full documentary of the incident, covering events from landing to emergency response.

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