For a nation aiming to establish itself as a key player in both tourism and regional trade, the condition of Liberia’s sole international gateway presents an evident paradox. Despite having recently received a sleek new terminal at the Roberts International Airport (RIA) thanks to funding from China, this facility still suffers due to poor management and fails to meet fundamental aviation industry norms.
The most recent humiliation—a total power failure on Sunday, March 30, 2025, leaving travelers stumbling around in darkness using flashlight apps on their phones—only underscores a broader problem more serious than mere glitches in the airport’s lighting systems.
The larger question we must ask is: how did we arrive here, and why do we keep returning?
This isn’t the first instance of RIA experiencing such an issue. Back in 2022, a Brussels Airlines flight had to cancel its approach and head back to Freetown, Sierra Leone because of a blackout that rendered the control tower unreachable. Now, three years later, despite having a new leadership, we find ourselves in the same situation. Progress hasn’t been made; rather, things appear better only superficially.
The latest occurrence serves as a stark criticism not just of RIA’s operational shortcomings but also of the broader leadership ethos within Liberian aviation. It is utterly irresponsible that an airport allocated $3 million under the FY2025 budget still fails to ensure alternative power sources. Moreover, it defies logic how three industrial-grade Caterpillar generators—inaugurated ceremonially by President Boakai back in June 2024—ran dry without adequate fuel supply. Equally disturbing is the fact that instead of taking responsibility, officials at the airport tried shifting the blame toward the Liberia Electricity Corporation (LEC). However, this tactic fell apart when LEC openly disclosed that the interruption stemmed from RIA failing to maintain their generator fuels properly.
Basic international aviation standards are not optional or aspirational -- they are foundational. At minimum, any international airport must maintain consistent lighting of runways and taxiways, functional communication with approaching aircraft, a secure and organized baggage handling system, and a professional response protocol for emergencies. These are non-negotiable elements of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards to which Liberia is a signatory. Yet, at RIA, these fundamentals remain elusive.
The upkeep of the runway is inconsistent. For instance, on February 23, 2025, dense smoke originating from nearby unauthorized agricultural burns interfered with an attempt for Ethiopian Airlines to land safely at the airport. Just days prior, a Royal Air Maroc aircraft had strayed off the degraded surface during taxiing, picking up pieces of asphalt and foreign objects—a clear indication of significant wear and tear on the runway itself. Additionally, managing passenger baggage has become a regular source of chaos; travelers frequently endure extended wait times and sometimes have their belongings misplaced. Furthermore, security screenings are applied haphazardly rather than systematically.
Moreover, there is the aspect involving people. Whether it’s airport executives or those working on the ground, there seems to be an alarming absence of professional standards. Often, key positions are filled based more on political allegiance than actual aviation know-how. This represents a significant shortcoming. A global gateway should not mirror governmental departments; instead, it needs leaders who understand operations, have handled risks before, and can navigate crises effectively. Choosing politically aligned individuals over experienced aviation experts is problematic—it poses serious hazards. We highlighted these concerns clearly during President George Manneh Weah’s tenure when we opposed having a comedian lead the Liberia Airport Authority. Our stance remains unchanged under the current Boakai Administration.
President Joseph N. Boakai's TOURISM plan, marked by its ambitious pledge to rejuvenate travel interest, lacks credibility as long as Liberia’s sole international gateway continues to deteriorate. This entry point serves not just tourists but also investors and diaspora Liberians looking to come home. Should these visitors’ initial encounter involve confusion, dim lighting, and disarray, why would they want to revisit, much less contribute investments or promote Liberia as an attractive destination?
Having a shiny terminal isn’t sufficient. Simply cleaning and tidying won’t achieve true professionalism. The Research Institute for Aviation (RIA) should operate akin to a contemporary airport—not like an obscure warehouse with planes parked outside. This requires being well-equipped, properly manned, and efficiently run to meet today’s aviation needs. Key components include reliable backup power systems supported by fuel management plans, a robust fire and rescue team, continuous employee training in both customer care and safety protocols, along with routine evaluations to ensure everything runs smoothly.
We must give Liberians at home and abroad a reason to be proud of their airport--not just because of the architecture, but because of the experience. Let RIA become a point of pride, not ridicule. If we are serious about tourism, then we must be even more serious about the first impression we give the world.
Primarily, this is a matter of leadership. The Boakai administration needs to make a crucial decision: will the aviation industry be guided by experts or constrained by political influences? Should safety take precedence over favoritism? Will RIA be raised to align with global benchmarks, or should it keep declining in obscurity—both literally and metaphorically?
Liberia's development depends on more than promises -- it depends on performance. And nowhere is that performance more visible, more symbolic, and more urgent than at Roberts International Airport. Let RIA become the standard-bearer for the kind of Liberia we want to show the world. We can -- and must -- do better.
Provided by Syndigate Media Inc. ( Syndigate.info ).
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