International Airports:
| Airport Name | City | ICAO Code | IATA Code |
|---|---|---|---|
| Roberts International Airport | Monrovia | GLRB | ROB |
| Spriggs Payne Airport | Monrovia | GLMR | MLW |
Domestic Airports:
| Airport Name | City | ICAO Code | IATA Code |
|---|---|---|---|
| Buchanan Airport | Buchanan | GLBU | UCN |
| Cape Palmas Airport | Harper | GLCP | CPA |
| Foya Airport | Foya | FOY | |
| Greenville/Sinoe Airport | Greenville | GLGE | SNI |
| Nimba Airport | Yekepa | GLNA | NIA |
| Sasstown Airport | Sasstown | GLST | SAZ |
| Tchien Airport | Tchien | GLTN | THC |
| Voinjama Airport | Voinjama | GLVA | VOI |
Note: Some airports, such as Foya Airport, do not have ICAO codes listed in the available sources.
Liberia Airports: Modernisation and Expansion Plans Unveiled
Liberia, a West African nation, boasts several airports scattered across its counties. These air transport hubs play a crucial role in connecting Liberian cities and facilitating international travel. Liberia has 16 airports, with Roberts International Airport serving as the country’s main gateway for international flights.
The airports in Liberia vary in size and capacity. Some, like Buchanan Airport in Grand Bassa County, cater to domestic flights and smaller aircraft. Others, such as Cape Palmas Airport in Harper, Maryland County, serve regional connections. These airports help link remote areas to the capital, Monrovia, and support economic development across the nation.
Liberia’s aviation sector is overseen by the Liberia Civil Aviation Authority, which manages airport operations and ensures safety standards are met. As the country continues to grow and develop, its airports are likely to play an increasingly important role in Liberia’s transportation network and economy.
Major Airports and Airline Services
Liberia has several airports that serve both domestic and international travellers. These airports play a crucial role in connecting the country to the rest of the world and supporting its economy.
Roberts International Airport
Roberts International Airport is Liberia’s main gateway. Located near Monrovia, it handles most of the country’s international flights.
The airport has a single runway capable of accommodating large aircraft. It offers services to major African cities and some European destinations.
Several airlines operate at Roberts International, including:
- Brussels Airlines
- Royal Air Maroc
- Kenya Airways
The airport has basic amenities such as shops, cafes, and currency exchange. Customs and immigration facilities are available for international travellers.
Spriggs Payne Airport
Spriggs Payne Airport is Liberia’s second-largest airport. It is situated in Monrovia and mainly handles domestic flights.
The airport has a shorter runway compared to Roberts International. It primarily serves smaller aircraft and regional flights.
Spriggs Payne focuses on domestic services and connections to neighbouring countries. It is named after Colonel Robert Payne, who helped develop the airport.
The facility has basic passenger services and is used by local airlines for shorter routes within Liberia and nearby nations.
Regional Airports
Liberia has several smaller regional airports that serve various parts of the country. These include:
- Buchanan Airport
- Harper Airport (Cape Palmas)
- Foya Airport
These airports typically have unpaved runways and limited facilities. They are crucial for connecting remote areas to larger cities.
Regional airports mainly handle domestic flights and small aircraft. They play a vital role in Liberia’s transportation network, especially in areas with poor road connections.
Local airlines and charter services use these airports to reach different parts of the country.
Operational Information and Facilities
Roberts International Airport serves as Liberia’s primary international gateway. It offers essential services and infrastructure to support air travel in the region.
Airport Information and Toda
Roberts International Airport (ROB) is located in Harbel, about 35 kilometres from Monrovia. The airport has a single runway that is 3,353 metres long. This length allows it to handle large commercial aircraft.
The airport’s terminal building can process both domestic and international flights. It has modern facilities like check-in counters, security checkpoints, and baggage claim areas.
ROB is equipped with important safety equipment. This includes fire-fighting systems, ambulances, and passenger stairs. The airport also has conveyor-belt loaders and forklifts to handle cargo efficiently.
Weather Conditions and Effects
Liberia has a tropical climate with two distinct seasons: wet and dry. The wet season typically runs from May to October, while the dry season is from November to April.
During the wet season, heavy rains can affect airport operations. Visibility may be reduced, and there’s a higher risk of delays or cancellations. The airport has weather monitoring systems to help manage these challenges.
In the dry season, weather conditions are generally more favourable for air travel. However, the Harmattan, a dry and dusty wind, can sometimes affect visibility.
Transport and Accessibility
Roberts International Airport is well-connected to Monrovia and other parts of Liberia. Taxis and buses are available for transport to and from the airport.
The airport has a car park for those who prefer to drive. Car rental services are also available for travellers who want to explore Liberia on their own.
For those with limited mobility, the airport provides assistance. Wheelchairs and staff support can be arranged in advance through airlines or airport management.
Public transport options like shared taxis and minibuses offer more affordable ways to reach Monrovia. The journey to the city centre typically takes about an hour, depending on traffic conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Liberian airports serve both domestic and international travellers. These airports provide essential services and connect Liberia to other parts of Africa and the world.
What is the IATA code for the main airport in Monrovia, Liberia?
The IATA code for Roberts International Airport, the main airport in Monrovia, Liberia, is ROB. This airport is located about 35 miles southeast of Monrovia.
How many international airports are there in Liberia?
Liberia has two international airports. Roberts International Airport (ROB) is the primary international gateway. The second is James Spriggs Payne Airport (MLW), which mainly serves regional flights.
Can you list airlines that operate flights to Liberia?
Several airlines operate flights to Liberia. These include:
- Brussels Airlines
- Royal Air Maroc
- Air Côte d’Ivoire
- Kenya Airways
Local carriers like Fly Liberia also operate domestic and regional flights.
Which is the preferred airport for travellers between San Jose and Liberia?
For travellers between San Jose and Liberia in Costa Rica, Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport (LIR) in Liberia is often preferred. It’s closer to popular beach destinations and typically has shorter wait times than San Jose’s airport.
What are the typical services offered at Liberian airport arrivals?
Liberian airport arrivals typically offer basic services. These include:
- Customs and immigration facilities
- Baggage claim areas
- Currency exchange counters
- Transport services to local destinations
Larger airports like Roberts International may also have duty-free shops and cafes.
Have there been recent closures at Liberian airports, and if so, why?
There have been no recent widespread closures at Liberian airports. However, during the Ebola outbreak in 2014-2015, some airlines temporarily suspended flights to Liberia as a precautionary measure.
