Why It Matters
- Liberia’s aviation oversight score stands at 27%, well below ICAO’s global benchmark of 75%, with two Significant Safety Concerns unresolved.
- The Government of Liberia, ICAO and BAGASOO have launched urgent reforms to address safety shortcomings and modernise oversight.
- The reforms aim to strengthen the Liberia Civil Aviation Authority with qualified personnel, equipment and institutional capacity.
- Legislative backing has been pledged to allocate budgets, clear arrears, and ratify international aviation protocols.
- Aviation safety has been elevated to a presidential and national security priority, underscoring its importance for public safety and economic stability.
- With international technical support, Liberia is preparing to modernise systems, invest in training, and restore confidence in its aviation sector.
Liberia, ICAO and BAGASOO Launch Urgent Aviation Safety Reforms
The Government of Liberia, the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and the Banjul Accord Group Aviation Safety Oversight Organization (BAGASOO) have announced a joint initiative to reform Liberia’s aviation safety system. The collaboration follows high-level talks held at the Executive Mansion and Capitol Building, where officials, lawmakers and international aviation experts agreed on an action plan.
The reforms respond to ICAO’s 2022 safety audit, which recorded Liberia’s aviation oversight score at 27%, significantly below the global benchmark of 75%. Two Significant Safety Concerns remain unresolved, raising ongoing risks at Roberts International Airport.
The Liberia Civil Aviation Authority (LCAA) has set out a roadmap for corrective measures, requiring strong support from stakeholders and international partners. ICAO has called for the strengthening of the authority with qualified personnel, while setting an ambitious three-month deadline for resolving outstanding safety concerns.
Liberia’s legislature has pledged support through budget allocations for new equipment, enhanced safety measures and ratification of international protocols. The Ministry of Finance is engaged in clearing arrears and facilitating reform measures. Aviation safety has been elevated as a presidential priority, with plans underway to increase training, expand institutional capacity and modernise air navigation systems.
The reforms are also being positioned as a national security priority. The government has confirmed its determination to empower the LCAA as a strengthened regulatory body, capable of overseeing compliance and protecting the safety of Liberia’s airspace.
With ICAO and BAGASOO providing ongoing technical support, Liberia is preparing to address its aviation safety gaps, invest in skilled personnel and implement measures to restore confidence in its aviation system.
