Minnesota, USA – The debate over the future of Roberts International Airport (RIA) has intensified as a Liberian aviation expert and diaspora voice, Matthew Young, issues a warning against the government’s plan to auction the country’s main international gateway under a 25-year concession.
Young, who has experience in airport operations, including at Philadelphia International Airport, questions whether Liberia has learned from the “countless and terrible agreements” of the past. He argues that the proposed deal, spearheaded by the Unity Party-led government, risks saddling the nation with “another disastrous and irreparable catastrophe.”
“25 Years is Long Enough to Lock Liberia Into Mistakes” At the heart of Young’s concern is the sheer length of the proposed agreement. In a detailed critique, he argues that a 25-year timeframe is too long for a sector as dynamic as aviation, leaving the country vulnerable to outdated technology, shifting security rules, and evolving airline business models . “If the concessionaire underinvests early, the government may have limited ability to force corrections later without costly renegotiation,” Young warns. He also highlights the risk of the operator building “institutional control,” which could gradually reduce the government’s leverage and bargaining power over time .
Concerns Over Rising Costs and Affordability Young predicts that a private operator will inevitably seek to protect its returns, leading to higher tariffs and fees for passengers. He points to potential increases in landing fees, passenger charges, and commercial markups on parking and retail, which would ultimately burden ordinary Liberians and travelers . This concern is amplified by Liberia’s “low passengers influx or demand,” as evidenced by the scaling down and closure of routes by reputable airlines. Young argues that this demand shock could lead operators to seek even higher charges or renegotiations to maintain profitability .
Strategic Asset, Not a Commodity The debate touches on the strategic importance of RIA. Young emphasizes that airports are critical for medical evacuations, disaster response, and national security. He warns that a concession contract could create “procedural friction” during emergencies, potentially slowing down government responses if contractual obligations are not carefully ring-fenced . This aligns with the government’s own framing of the project. Officials have insisted that the 25-year concession, launched via an international competitive bidding process, is not a sale but a public-private partnership designed to attract investment and modernize the facility while the state retains ownership .
Weighing the Alternatives: PPP vs. Full Concession While warning against a long-term concession, Young suggests that other models may be safer for Liberia. He recommends a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) with stronger performance requirements, or a hybrid approach where the private party finances and operates the airport while the government retains clear controls over safety, service targets, tariff rules, and investment obligations . This comes amid a recent push by the government to strengthen its aviation regulatory capacity. Liberia recently hosted high-level regional meetings to harmonize aviation safety oversight, signaling a commitment to meeting international standards . The Liberia Civil Aviation Authority has also secured partnerships to address safety audit findings .
The Case for a “Hybrid” Approach Young asserts that while PPPs can be beneficial, they will fail if the contract is weak, lacks clear KPIs, or suffers from political interference. He is unequivocal in his conclusion that a long, open-ended concession is a “harmful fit” for Liberia’s current needs. “Our Airport is not for Auction,” he states, advocating instead for a model that ensures Liberia’s strategic interests are protected for generations to come .
