The emergency deployment follows a recent incident at the airport and comes as part of Türkiye’s commitment to help modernize Liberia’s aviation infrastructure.
Monrovia – The Government of Türkiye has dispatched an emergency accident response team to the Roberts International Airport (RIA) ahead of a high-level technical mission scheduled for next week.
The emergency deployment follows a recent incident at the airport and comes as part of Türkiye’s commitment to help modernize Liberia’s aviation infrastructure.
The Turkish Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure confirmed that the team, headed by Mr. Altan Yasar Tekin, was sent to Liberia to assess the airport’s safety conditions and conduct a preliminary investigation into the incident that occurred on May 29.
Türkiye’s involvement in Liberia’s airport infrastructure comes as a result of a diplomatic overture earlier this year, when Liberia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sara Beysolow Nyanti, held talks with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.
During the engagement, Foreign Minister Nyanti conveyed the interest of President Joseph Boakai in establishing a government-to-government partnership aimed at upgrading RIA — the country’s main international gateway — to modern global standards.
Türkiye’s Minister of Transport and Infrastructure, H.E. Abdulkadir Uraloğlu, emphasized the significance of the mission. “The delegation will assess current conditions and identify areas in need of urgent and long-term support. Today’s emergency deployment marks the beginning of a deeper, strategic partnership,” Minister Uraloğlu said in a statement to the media.
The Turkish delegation, expected to arrive in Liberia between June 10 and 13, is comprised of a multidisciplinary team of experts.
The seven-member group includes Mr. Levent Şenel, Deputy Head of Mission at the Turkish Embassy in Accra; civil engineers Mr. Süleyman Yılmaz and Mr. Bilal Özçelik; air traffic controller Mr. Alper Uzun; electrical engineer Mr. Mert Kayış; map technician Mr. Yavuz Boyuneğmez; and general engineer Mr. Sefa Kartal.
Their mission will be to carry out a comprehensive technical audit of RIA’s infrastructure, including safety protocols, air traffic systems, electrical and structural components, and spatial mapping. Findings from the assessment will guide a roadmap for targeted improvements and long-term investments.
RIA, located in Margibi County, serves as Liberia’s primary international airport and is a critical component of the nation’s transportation network. However, the airport has faced recurring challenges including outdated infrastructure, frequent power outages, and inadequate safety mechanisms. These issues have long drawn criticism from travelers and aviation professionals alike, raising concerns about Liberia’s readiness to meet regional aviation standards.
Foreign Minister Nyanti, who has been leading Liberia’s push for economic diplomacy, said the collaboration with Türkiye is aimed at transforming the country’s critical infrastructure and boosting investor confidence. She noted that the aviation sector is key to Liberia’s efforts to enhance trade, tourism, and international connectivity.
“This partnership with Türkiye is not just about airport rehabilitation,” a senior official at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said. “It is part of a broader strategy to stimulate economic growth, generate employment, and increase Liberia’s appeal as a destination for business and development.”
As part of its growing engagement with Africa, Türkiye has prioritized infrastructure and technical cooperation with developing nations. Its support for Liberia aligns with Ankara’s wider foreign policy goals of strengthening partnerships across the continent through trade, investment, and capacity building.
The Turkish government has assured Liberia that its commitment extends beyond the immediate emergency response. During their stay, the technical delegation will also meet with Liberian authorities, including the Ministries of Public Works and Transport, as well as the Liberia Civil Aviation Authority and the Liberia Airport Authority, to discuss long-term cooperation.
While the full scope of the May 29 incident remains under investigation, the rapid mobilization of the Turkish response team underscores the urgency of addressing operational gaps at RIA. Liberia’s aviation authorities have yet to release a formal report on the incident, but early indications suggest that it exposed significant vulnerabilities in airport safety systems.
Local aviation experts have welcomed the Turkish assistance, calling it a timely intervention that could signal a turning point for Liberia’s aviation sector. “This is the kind of technical collaboration we need to move forward,” said one official with knowledge of airport operations. “It’s not just about fixing what’s broken—it’s about building resilience and ensuring our systems meet international standards.”
