The private plane temporarily destroyed flights at home on Thursday night at Liberia after landing with President Joseph Boakai.
Airport authorities said part of the landing equipment of the President’s jet had malfunctioned as they approached the runway, resulting in a difficult landing.
According to local media reports, the incident caused panic at the airport, forcing all scheduled flights that night to be cancelled.
President Boakai traveled from Nigeria with his entourage and was not hurt when authorities announced the investigation.
Boakai talks with reporters at the airport without mentioning the incident [Executive Mansion – Liberia / Facebook]
Photos of stagnant jets at Roberts International Airport (RIA) have been circulating on social media, raising concerns about the president's safety.
Local media quoted airport authorities, saying that a plane's tire exploded when it landed, leaving it on the runway.
The Liberian Airport Authority (LAA) confirmed in a statement that the “unfortunately near-marriage situation” involving the President’s Jet.
Authorities dismissed the report, indicating that the incident was caused by poor runway conditions.
“The runway infrastructure remains fully compliant with international aviation safety standards,” the LAA said.
Authorities said the plane had been removed from the runway and normal operations resumed at the airport.
“At this stage, an investigation is underway to determine the actual cause of the incident and the Airport Authority will make public notice,” the LAA said.
The Liberian president has not commented on the incident, but it shares photos of Boakai arriving at the airport, where he briefly spoke to reporters without mentioning the panic of the plane.
He went to Nigeria to attend the 50th anniversary of the West African Country Regional Economic Community (ECOWAS).
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