Panic as plane carrying Liberian president crash-lands after departure from Nigeria

Flights at Liberia’s main international airport were temporarily halted on Thursday night after a jet carrying President Joseph Boakai experienced a landing mishap upon return from Nigeria.

According to airport authorities, the aircraft—used for the president’s travel—suffered a malfunction in its landing gear as it approached Roberts International Airport (RIA), resulting in a difficult landing and briefly sparking panic among onlookers.

Local media reported that all scheduled flights for the night were canceled following the incident.

President Boakai, who had been returning from Nigeria with his entourage after attending the 50th anniversary celebration of the Economic Community of West African States (Ecowas), was safely evacuated and was unharmed.

READ ALSO: Flights disrupted as Air Peace plane runs into big antelope at Abuja airport

Though he addressed journalists upon arrival at the airport, he made no mention of the event.

Images of the stationary aircraft on the runway soon made rounds on social media, fueling public concern over the president’s safety.

Citing airport officials, local outlets reported that one of the jet’s tyres burst during landing, leaving the plane immobilized on the runway.

The Liberia Airport Authority (LAA) later confirmed the “unfortunate near-accident situation” and emphasized that the runway itself was not at fault.

“The runway infrastructure remains fully compliant with international aviation safety standards,” the LAA stated in its official release.

Authorities added that the aircraft has since been removed and normal flight operations have resumed.

“At this stage, investigation to establish the actual cause of the incident is ongoing, and the airport authority will keep the public informed,” the LAA added.

While the presidency has not issued a direct statement on the incident, it shared photos of President Boakai’s arrival at the airport, where he briefly spoke with reporters.