Brussels Airlines has halted all flights to Liberia over a malfunctioning navigation system at the main airport in Monrovia, the nation’s capital.
“It is of the utmost importance that we operate each and every flight in a safe, secure and compliant manner,” the Belgium-based airline said.
It said it will reach out to all passengers affected by the cancellations. The airline urged the management of Monrovia’s Roberts International Airport (RIA) to comply with safety regulations “as soon as possible”.
The SN Brussels statement is coming after the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) sanctioned the RIA over the malfunctioning navigation system and has given a three-month ultimatum for the repair of the equipment.
The airline was the only Western airline flying directly to Liberia. In April, one of its planes nearly crash-landed at the Monrovia airport due to a power outage on the runway.
The RIA suffers from a malfunctioning localiser, another important navigation system, which is needed to aid in the smooth landing of aircraft.
Since early June, 2022, there has been no instrument approach procedures at RIA. Therefore, aircraft, like Brussels Airlines, have to visually approach the airport, especially during heavy rain, which is extremely dangerous.