Liberia authorities report private jet carrying the country’s 81-Year-old leader and officials was involved in another accident, nearly eight months after similar incident occurred in May 2025.
President Joseph Boakai experienced an unexpected delay upon arrival at Roberts International Airport when Ethiopian Airlines Flight ET 943, carrying the Liberian leader from Accra, Ghana, encountered a mechanical malfunction on the runway, the Liberia Airport Authority said in a statement Sunday.
LAA said the incident, though safely managed, has prompted a formal investigation by the Liberia Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB).
According to airport management, the aircraft landed safely on Runway 22 at approximately 17:27 local time. However, while maneuvering to exit the runway onto the designated taxiway, the plane suffered a mechanical fault that left it temporarily immobile.
Recovery teams were immediately dispatched, and the aircraft was towed to the tarmac without further complications.
Passengers, including President Boakai, remained safe throughout the episode. Airport officials emphasized that at no point were lives endangered, and normal airport operations continued without disruption.
Technicians swiftly repaired the fault, allowing the aircraft to resume its scheduled journey later in the evening.
In a statement, the LAA reassured the public of its commitment to aviation safety and operational efficiency. “At all times, passengers and crew remained completely safe and faced no danger. Airport operations continued without disruption, and all normal activities were fully and smoothly maintained following clearance of the aircraft,” the authority noted.
The LAA has requested the AAIB to conduct an independent investigation to determine the root cause of the malfunction and recommend preventive measures. Such inquiries are standard procedure in aviation, ensuring accountability and reinforcing public confidence in air travel safety.
The presence of President Boakai on board has heightened public interest in the incident. While aviation malfunctions are not uncommon globally, the involvement of a head of state underscores the importance of rigorous safety protocols at Liberia’s main international gateway.
The episode also highlights the reliance of national leaders on commercial carriers for regional travel, raising questions about contingency planning and the adequacy of airport emergency response systems.
Roberts International Airport, Liberia’s primary aviation hub, has faced scrutiny in the past over infrastructure challenges and operational delays. The LAA’s swift handling of the incident demonstrates progress in emergency preparedness. However, aviation experts stress that mechanical faults, even when resolved quickly, warrant thorough investigation to prevent recurrence.
Globally, runway incidents can range from minor technical glitches to serious accidents. The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) requires member states to maintain independent investigative bodies, such as Liberia’s AAIB, to ensure transparency and adherence to international safety standards.
