Concerns are emerging over the conduct of some workers at Roberts International Airport (RIA), with travelers alleging that passengers are sometimes pressured to provide tips while accessing services at Liberia’s main international gateway.
A traveler named, Prince Weah, said he encountered what he described as repeated requests for money from some airport workers during a recent trip outside Liberia.
Weah said he did not have Liberian dollars with him at the time and was carrying U.S. dollars intended for expenses during his trip.
He alleged that some of the money in his possession was also requested by workers at the airport.
“My $40 left there recently,” Weah said, describing the experience.
According to Weah, requests for money occurred at different points during his passage through the airport.
He said the experience was uncomfortable and that passengers may be reluctant to challenge such requests because of concerns about possible delays or missing their flights.
Weah also raised concerns about first-time travelers, saying some passengers may not know where to report such incidents or how to determine whether a payment being requested is an official airport charge.
RIA, located in Margibi County, is Liberia’s main international airport and handles international arrivals and departures.
It was not immediately established whether the alleged requests reported by Weah are part of a broader practice among airport workers or isolated incidents.
The specific workers involved in the alleged incident were not identified, and no response from the relevant airport authorities was included in Weah’s account.
Airport users are generally expected to pay applicable official charges associated with their travel and airport services. Any additional payments requested from passengers would require clarification from the relevant authorities as to whether they are authorized.
Weah is calling for the relevant authorities to look into the matter and ensure that passengers using RIA are treated professionally.
