By Akoi M. Baysah, Jr.
After years of closure, the Liberia Airport Authority (LAA) on Friday, December 19, 2025, officially dedicated the Bravo Taxi Lane, widely known as the B-Line, at Roberts International Airport (RIA), restoring a critical component of aircraft ground operations at the country’s main international gateway.
The Bravo Taxi Lane is one of three primary taxiways at RIA and plays a vital role in directing aircraft safely between the runway and the terminal apron.
Its prolonged closure had placed increased operational pressure on the remaining taxi lanes, particularly during peak travel periods.Speaking at the dedication ceremony, RIA Airport Manager James Mulbah said the taxi lane was shut down due to severe structural deterioration that posed serious safety concerns for aircraft movement.
“The Bravo Taxi Lane is extremely important to the smooth and safe operation of Roberts International Airport,” Mulbah said. “Its closure placed additional pressure on the remaining taxi lanes, especially during peak travel periods, leading at times to congestion and delays. With this dedication, we are restoring full operational capacity.”
Mulbah emphasized that the rehabilitation of the B-Line underscores the Liberia Airport Authority’s commitment to international aviation safety standards and improved service delivery.
According to him, the reopening will enhance aircraft ground movement and significantly reduce turnaround time for both domestic and international flights.
LAA under the leadership of Ernest R. Hughes and John Buway Managing Director and Deputy Managing Director for Administration were praised by James Mulbah RIA Manager, describing their early impact as transformative.
“In just a little over two months since their appointment by President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, the new management has brought about tremendous positive change at the airport,” Mulbah added.
Airport officials and aviation stakeholders who attended the ceremony hailed the reopening as a major step toward strengthening Liberia’s aviation infrastructure.
They stressed that reliable and modern airport facilities are essential for attracting additional airlines and improving Liberia’s competitiveness within the regional and international aviation markets.
Officials also commended the engineers, technicians, and airport personnel whose technical expertise and dedication ensured the successful rehabilitation of the Bravo Taxi Lane.
With the reopening of the B-Line, Roberts International Airport is expected to experience improved operational efficiency, reinforcing its role as a key hub for travel, trade, and economic growth in Liberia.
