Liberia: All international flights suspended on June 4

Event

The Liberia National Police (LNP) announced on Wednesday, May 31, that all flights to and from Liberia will be suspended for the day on Sunday, June 4. This 24-hour suspension is due to the holding of a summit of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), which will take place in the capital city Monrovia on the same date.  According to the Inspector General of Police, the measure is part of various travel regulations put in place by the LNP to ensure the security of VIPs, who will be using the Roberts International Airport (ROB), located in Margibi county. From May 31 to June 4, the Monrovia-ROB highway will also be closed to vehicles weighing 10 tons or higher. The Marshall via ROB highway will be closed on Sunday. A text message informing citizens of the closures and subsequent reopening of roads should be sent to residents of the area. Increased traffic disruptions and security measures are likely from May 31 to June 4 in Monrovia and surrounding areas, including the road linking the capital to ROB airport. Residual flights disruption may also occur on Monday, June 5.

Context

Several heads of state are expected to attend the ECOWAS Summit on June 4. The country has not hosted any international summits since 1979, when Liberia held the Organization of African Unity (OAU) summit.

Advice

Travelers are advised to reschedule their flights or to use alternative means of transportations on June 4 and to make necessary hotel arrangements. On June 5, travelers are advised to confirm the status of their flights prior to departure to the airport and to contact their airlines for further details.