Overview
The Liberia Airport Authority (LAA) is a State-Owned Enterprise established under the Liberia Airport Authority Act of 2009 and mandated to oversee the development, management, operation, and maintenance of civil airports and aerodromes throughout Liberia. Building on the legacy of Roberts International Airport (RIA), Liberia’s principal international gateway originally constructed during World War II, LAA today manages RIA, James Spriggs Payne Airport, and a network of domestic airstrips across the country. Guided by a commitment to safety, security, and service excellence, the Authority is advancing a comprehensive modernization agenda focused on achieving full ICAO certification for Roberts International Airport, strengthening aviation infrastructure and operational resilience, driving digital transformation, enhancing passenger experience, and developing an Airport City to support economic growth, investment, tourism, and regional connectivity.
Leadership Timeline
Hon. Julius D. Dennis (2006–2009)
- Led RIA’s post-war recovery before LAA’s official formation.
- Restored operational capacity, enforced financial discipline, rebuilt credibility.
- Implemented accounting controls, operational procedures, staff training, and equipment procurement.
Hon. Julius D. Dennis was appointed in 2006 to lead RIA’s post-war recovery. His tenure focused on restoring operational capacity, enforcing financial discipline, and rebuilding institutional credibility. Working alongside donor-supported programs like GEMAP, Dennis introduced proper accounting controls, reduced payroll inefficiencies, and implemented clear operational procedures.
The same year, Hon. Abraham Simmons was appointed as LAA Acting managing Director while serving as the General Manager of the Robert International Airport.
Prior to his appointment as the General Manager of the Robert International Airport, he had a distinguished career in aviation with McDonnell Douglas, UPS Air Group, VOLPAR Incorporated, and Air Liberia. Upon taking the helm at RIA, Simmons identified the airport’s dire need for renovation, improved services, and financial reform. He initiated comprehensive reforms, including the establishment of clear job definitions, the creation of an airport operations manual with the assistance of foreign consultants, and the implementation of new training programs. Despite facing challenges in financing reforms and acquiring new equipment, Simmons was committed to bringing the airport up to international compliance standards.
In February 2009, Simmons resigned from his position, and LAA Director General Richelieu Williams assumed interim control of both the LAA and RIA.
Hon. Abraham Simmons (2009)
- Appointed Acting Managing Director after serving as RIA General Manager.
- Introduced job definitions, airport operations manual, and training programs.
- Focused on renovation, improved services, and compliance with international standards.
Hon. Richelieu Williams (2009–2011)
- Oversaw consolidation of air traffic control, security, and fire/rescue under LCAA.
- Managed transitional challenges during the early years of the LAA.
Ellen Corkrum, a U.S.-trained pilot and military veteran with degrees from Harvard and MIT, was appointed Managing Director of the LAA in October 2012. She returned to Liberia with a strong aviation and leadership profile, selected to spearhead reforms at Roberts International Airport. She had a short stain that lasted several months and ended 2013.
Ellen Corkrum (2012–2013)
- U.S.-trained pilot and military veteran with Harvard and MIT degrees.
- Returned to lead reforms at RIA but had a brief tenure.
Hon. Musa Bility (2013–2014)
- Served briefly, not long enough to implement his vision for the airport sector.
Musa Bility served as the Managing Director of the Liberia Airport Authority from 2013 to 2014. Like Ellen Corkrum, Hon. Bility had a brief tenure not sufficient to see through his vision for the Airport industry.
Wil Bako Freeman who served as the Managing Director of the Liberia Airport Authority from 2015 to 2019. During his tenure, Freeman was instrumental in overseeing significant infrastructure projects at Roberts International Airport, including the construction of a new passenger terminal and runway rehabilitation.
Hon. Wil Bako Freeman (2015–2019)
- Oversaw major infrastructure upgrades: new passenger terminal and runway rehabilitation.
- Focused on modernization of aviation infrastructure.
Hon. Bishop John Allen Klayee (2019–2021)
- Continued infrastructure projects and operational improvements.
- Oversaw a 25-year cargo operations concession with NAS of Kuwait and Global Logistics Services.
- Maintained optimism despite COVID-19 challenges.
Hon. Bishop John Allen Klayee was appointed as the Acting Managing Director of the Liberia Airport Authority. During this period, Klayee continued efforts to enhance the operational efficiency of Roberts International Airport and oversee the completion of ongoing infrastructure projects. His leadership was pivotal in maintaining continuity and addressing the challenges facing Liberia’s aviation sector.
Hon. Martin J. Hayes served as Acting Managing Director of the Liberia Airport Authority from July 2021 until at least January 2023. His leadership came during a period marked by serious operational challenges at Roberts International Airport, most notably persistent power outages that disrupted night operations and even forced flight diversions. To keep the airport functioning, Hayes procured brand new generators and managed the heavy daily fuel demand of roughly 800 gallons, ensuring continuity of service despite the lack of stable electricity.
Hon. Martin J. Hayes (2021–2023)
- Managed crisis from persistent power outages; procured generators.
- Enhanced safety readiness with specialized training.
- Maintained international airline relationships and compliance standards.
Hon. Jero H. Mends-Cole (2024–2025)
- Leading efforts toward installation of new NAVAids for Roberts International Airport.
- Expanding passenger terminal, apron, and taxiway.
Hon. Jero H. Mends-Cole took office as the Managing Director of the Liberia Airport Authority on April 15, 2024. Hon. Mends-Cole’s leadership was expected to focus on further enhancing the operational efficiency of Liberia’s airports and implementing strategic initiatives to improve the passenger experience and overall service delivery, however he had a brief tenure not sufficient to see through his vision for the Airport industry.
Hon. Hughes was confirmed as the Managing Director of the Liberia Airport Authority in November 2025.
Hon. Hughes has positioned Roberts International Airport (RIA) on a strategic path toward achieving international standards of safety, security, and service excellence. His immediate priorities focus on strengthening aviation safety through critical infrastructure upgrades, enhancing airport security systems and operational resilience, and improving the overall passenger experience. Key initiatives include modernization of terminal facilities, improvements to airside infrastructure and safety-critical systems, strengthening emergency response capabilities, and the rehabilitation of domestic airports to expand safe and reliable air transportation throughout Liberia. Through these efforts, the Authority is laying the foundation for future ICAO certification while ensuring that Liberia’s airports deliver secure, efficient, and customer-focused services.
Beyond these immediate priorities, Hon. Hughes is focused on positioning Liberia’s aviation sector for long-term growth, competitiveness, and international recognition. Central to his vision is achieving full International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) certification for Roberts International Airport, establishing Liberia’s principal gateway as a fully compliant, safe, secure, and internationally recognized airport. This effort is supported by a comprehensive program of infrastructure modernization, operational improvements, and institutional strengthening designed to meet global aviation standards.
Recognizing the critical role of technology in modern airport management, Hon. Hughes is also championing a digital transformation agenda that will modernize airport operations, enhance safety and security oversight, improve passenger services, strengthen data-driven decision-making, and increase operational efficiency across the Authority. This transformation will leverage innovative technologies to create a more resilient, responsive, and customer-focused aviation system.
Looking to the future, his leadership is advancing plans for the development of an Airport City at Roberts International Airport, envisioned as a dynamic aviation-linked economic hub that integrates logistics, commerce, hospitality, tourism, and residential development. The initiative aims to diversify airport revenue streams, attract investment, create employment opportunities, and establish a new center for economic activity that supports Liberia’s broader development objectives. Guided by a commitment to safety, security, service excellence, and innovation, Hon. Hughes is laying the foundation for a modern aviation sector that will serve as a catalyst for national growth for generations to come.
Under his leadership, the Liberia Airport Authority is charting a course toward innovation, resilience, and lasting growth.
Hon. Ernest R. Hughes (2025–Present)
- Leading efforts toward full ICAO certification.
- Continued installation and implementation of new Navigational Aids at Roberts International Airport.
- Enhanced safety readiness with specialized training.
- Maintained international airline relationships and compliance standards.
