A technical glitch forced President Joseph Boakai’s jet into a rough landing at Liberia’s main airport, temporarily halting all flights and sparking widespread concern.
The president was unharmed as emergency teams swiftly responded, while aviation officials launched a probe into the landing gear failure that triggered the tense episode.
A tense situation unfolded at Roberts International Airport (RIA) in Liberia on Thursday night when a private jet carrying President Joseph Boakai was forced to make an emergency landing due to a technical malfunction. According to the Liberia Airport Authority (LAA), a component of the presidential aircraft’s landing gear reportedly failed as the plane approached the airport, leading to a rough and alarming landing.
The incident prompted the immediate suspension of all flight operations at the country’s busiest aviation hub, creating temporary chaos for passengers and airport workers. Witnesses described a moment of sheer panic as the jet, visibly unstable on descent, touched down with difficulty. Emergency response teams were quickly mobilized, including the airport fire service and medical personnel, who raced to the scene in anticipation of a possible crash.
Although the president was unharmed, the severity of the situation sparked widespread concern. Airport authorities confirmed that President Boakai and other passengers on board the aircraft were safely evacuated and assessed by medical teams as a precautionary measure. The president was reportedly calm and composed throughout the ordeal, reassuring his entourage and thanking the flight crew for their professionalism under pressure.
The Liberia Airport Authority issued an official statement late Thursday night, confirming the malfunction and detailing the swift actions taken to ensure the safety of everyone involved. “A minor failure in part of the aircraft’s landing gear system caused a rough landing. Our emergency response protocol was immediately activated, and the aircraft landed safely with no casualties,” the statement read. “We temporarily suspended all other flight activities to secure the airstrip and conduct a thorough inspection of the incident.”
In the aftermath, operations at Roberts International Airport were gradually restored after safety assessments were completed. Technicians were seen inspecting the runway and reviewing footage from the control tower to better understand the cause and trajectory of the landing. The aircraft itself was towed away from the tarmac for further evaluation by aviation engineers.
News of the near-disaster spread quickly across Liberia and the broader West African region, with many citizens expressing relief that the president emerged unscathed. Messages of support and well-wishes for President Boakai flooded social media platforms, with several political leaders and international allies reaching out to express their solidarity.
Transportation and aviation safety officials have since launched a formal investigation into the mechanical failure. Preliminary reports suggest that the issue may have originated from a hydraulics malfunction, though experts caution that only a full diagnostic inspection will confirm the exact cause. The aircraft in question, a privately chartered jet frequently used for high-level diplomatic and executive travel, had passed its last inspection in early 2025.
Meanwhile, calls for improved aircraft maintenance and stricter aviation standards have grown louder, with some citizens and lawmakers urging the government to invest more in aviation safety infrastructure, especially for flights involving high-ranking government officials.
President Boakai, addressing the incident during a brief press conference the following morning, thanked God, the crew, and the airport staff for their prompt and effective response. “What happened last night was frightening, but I am grateful to be standing here today. It’s a reminder of how important it is to prioritize safety and preparedness in everything we do,” he said.
As Liberia continues to monitor the situation and await findings from the ongoing investigation, the close call has underscored the need for constant vigilance in air travel particularly when national leadership is involved.
