MONROVIA, Liberia — The Liberia Airport Authority (LAA) has unveiled a US$59 million five-year strategic plan aimed at modernizing the country’s aviation infrastructure and positioning Roberts International Airport (RIA) as a leading regional aviation hub in West Africa.
The plan, covering 2027–2031, was launched on October 14, 2026, at the Boulevard Palace in Monrovia, with government officials, LAA executives, and international development partners, including the European Union, in attendance.
LAA Managing Director Ernest R. Hughes said the initiative prioritizes aviation safety, security, improved passenger services, and opportunities for public-private partnerships to support trade and tourism.
Transport Minister Sirleaf Tyler described the plan as a milestone in Liberia’s pursuit of international aviation competitiveness, emphasizing the sector’s role in national economic development.
The strategy focuses on five areas: safety and air navigation, security infrastructure, passenger experience, institutional governance and digital integration, and revenue diversification.
Immediate priorities include obtaining official RIA certification in line with International Civil Aviation Organization standards, strengthening firefighting and rescue services, upgrading screening systems, and establishing cold-chain cargo facilities to support agricultural exports.
The LAA said implementation will involve quarterly reviews, results-based management, and strengthened financial oversight.
Funding is expected from government allocations, private-sector partnerships, donor grants, development bank loans, and airport-generated revenue.
The launch comes ahead of an €8.6 million, three-year partnership involving Liberia, the European Union, and Germany, scheduled to begin October 30, to improve safety and security infrastructure at RIA.
