Monrovia, Liberia — An aircraft transporting President Joseph Nyuma Boakai from Accra, Ghana, experienced difficulties landing at the Roberts International Airport (RIA) on Saturday due to a runway obstruction caused by a disabled Ethiopian Airlines plane.
Sources, including passengers at the airport, told Verity News that an Ethiopian Airlines aircraft broke down in the middle of the runway, temporarily blocking landing operations. The situation prevented a Kenyan Airlines aircraft, which was carrying President Boakai, from landing upon its initial approach.
As a result, the president’s plane was forced to circulate in the air for a period while airport authorities worked to clear the runway. Although the disabled Ethiopian Airlines aircraft was not completely removed, enough space was eventually created to allow the presidential aircraft to land safely.
The plane touched down during the early evening hours and taxied successfully at RIA. President Boakai later proceeded to Monrovia without incident.
Airport authorities have not yet issued an official statement regarding the mechanical failure of the Ethiopian Airlines aircraft.
