Turkish Airlines Nears Return to Liberia After Safety Review Meeting with Airport Authority

Monrovia – A high-level delegation from Turkish Airlines currently in Liberia, has concluded discussions with senior officials of the Liberia Airport Authority (LAA), at the agency’s headquarters, signaling a step toward resuming commercial flights between Monrovia and Istanbul.

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By Willie N. Tokpah, [email protected]

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The Turkish delegation, comprising Muhammet Düz, Specialist in the Risk Assessment and Investigation Directorate; Ahmet Uzunlu, Station Manager; and Aykut Akar, Specialist, met with LAA’s Deputy Managing Director for Operations, Egon Kuiah, Deputy Managing Director for Technical Services, Jonathan C. Anders, and Chief Financial Officer, George D. Yuoh among others on Wednesday, October 22.

The engagement focused on assessing operational readiness, safety protocols, and infrastructure standards at the Roberts International Airport (RIA), which is currently undergoing a certification process.

The visit forms part of Turkish Airlines’ routine due diligence before launching or resuming service in any new market.

“This is a normal routine for airlines. They have to ensure that safety and security measures are in place at the airport,” said Egon Kuiah, LAA Deputy Managing Director for Operations.

“They’ve shown us that, in the coming weeks, they will begin formal engagements with the Civil Aviation Authority, the body responsible for licensing airlines entering Liberia.”

Kuiah disclosed that Turkish Airlines intends to begin operations with twice-weekly flights routed through Accra, Ghana, before transitioning to a direct Monrovia-Istanbul flight within the next three months.

Turkish Airlines previously expressed interest in the Liberian market and conducted an initial assessment at RIA about four years ago, according to Kuiah.

However, those plans were halted after Liberia failed an International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) safety audit, which highlighted critical deficiencies in airport safety standards at the time.

“At that time, we had just concluded the ICAO audit, and unfortunately, we didn’t pass. That was one of the reasons why Turkish Airlines delayed their entry,” Kuiah said.

Since then, the Liberia Airport Authority has embarked on a rigorous certification process, engaging international experts to upgrade operational standards and improve safety compliance, developments that have reignited interest from major international carriers.

Other Airlines Also Eyeing Liberia

Kuiah further revealed that several other international airlines, including Emirates, Qatar Airways, TAP Air Portugal, and EgyptAir have recently expressed interest in establishing routes to Monrovia, largely due to progress made in airport safety and infrastructure improvements.

“The message is out there now. I’ve been receiving numerous emails from major airlines. Liberia is becoming attractive again,” Mr. Kuiah noted.

Following the current assessment phase, Turkish Airlines is expected to begin the formal licensing process with Liberia’s Civil Aviation Authority.

The airline is initially targeting two flights per week, with the long-term goal of operating daily flights directly between Monrovia and Istanbul.

If the plans materialize as projected, Turkish Airlines will become one of the few major global carriers operating out of Roberts International Airport, offering Liberians and travelers in the region a convenient connection to Europe, Asia, and beyond via its hub in Istanbul.

Liberia Airport Authority said discussions with Turkish Airlines will intensify in the coming weeks as the licensing process unfolds.

Kuiah further maintained, that the coming of Turkish Airlines would mark a milestone in Liberia’s aviation recovery and a boost for tourism, trade, and international connectivity.

Analysts say the potential return of Turkish Airlines to Liberia marks more than just the re-establishment of a flight route — it symbolizes renewed international confidence in Liberia’s aviation infrastructure, and by extension, its economy.

A Vote of Confidence in Liberia’s Aviation Recovery

When Turkish Airlines first explored entering the Liberian market four years ago, the plans were shelved after the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) safety audit revealed serious gaps in Liberia’s aviation compliance. Since then, the LAA has made significant progress — upgrading facilities, improving safety measures, and working toward full certification.

The renewed interest from Turkish Airlines, one of the world’s largest and most connected carriers, serves as an endorsement of these improvements. It reflects growing trust among international stakeholders that Roberts International Airport (RIA) is regaining its place as a viable hub in West Africa.

Strengthening Trade, Tourism, and Connectivity

Airport officials say Turkish Airlines’ return would open a direct gateway between West Africa and Eurasia, connecting Liberia to more than 120 countries through the airline’s Istanbul hub. This has far-reaching implications for trade and investment.

Liberian businesses would gain easier access to global markets — particularly in Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, where Turkish Airlines maintains a dense route network. Exporters of perishable goods, such as seafood, cocoa, and agricultural produce, could benefit from faster, more reliable logistics chains.

In addition, the route could help boost tourism and international business travel, as easier air access often translates into higher visitor inflows. With Liberia seeking to promote its eco-tourism potential and attract foreign investors, reliable international air links are indispensable.

Stimulating Economic Activity and Employment

The operational resumption of Turkish Airlines would also have direct and indirect economic benefits. The airline’s local operations — ground handling, ticketing, catering, and maintenance support — would create new employment opportunities for Liberians.

Increased air traffic means more business for hotels, transport services, and suppliers, injecting vitality into the service sector. The government would also stand to gain through taxes, airport fees, and increased foreign exchange circulation.

Furthermore, the presence of a global airline like Turkish could encourage competition and lower airfares, making international travel more accessible to Liberians and regional travelers alike.

Positioning Liberia as a Regional Aviation Player

Turkish Airlines’ model of connecting emerging markets aligns perfectly with Liberia’s vision to transform RIA into a regional transit point. With neighboring countries like Sierra Leone and Guinea also upgrading their aviation sectors, Liberia’s ability to attract another  major global carrier could give it a competitive edge in regional connectivity.

This momentum is further strengthened by reports that Emirates, Qatar Airways, TAP Air Portugal, and EgyptAir have expressed interest in Liberia. Together, these developments could help reposition Liberia as a credible node in international air transport — a feat that would have been unthinkable just a few years ago.

A Win-Win Partnership

For Turkish Airlines, re-entering the Liberian market expands its West African footprint and strengthens its strategic position as the bridge between Africa, Europe, and Asia. The airline has successfully replicated this model in several African capitals — combining commercial viability with diplomatic and cultural outreach.

For Liberia, the partnership represents a symbol of progress, recovery, and re-engagement with the global economy. It offers both prestige and practical benefits — from trade growth to tourism development and enhanced diplomatic ties.