Welcome to Roberts International Airport (RIA), also known as Robertsfield – Liberia’s main air gateway to the world! Found about 56 kilometers away from the bustling capital city of Monrovia, RIA is an essential hub for both international and domestic travel.
Named after Liberia’s first president, Joseph Jenkins Roberts, this airport has a rich history and a bright future. Chatting with a few friendly locals, I learned that RIA has seen some serious upgrades and renovations recently, making it a much more pleasant place to fly in and out of.
Now, why am I reviewing this airport, you ask? Well, I’ve developed a bit of a quirky habit: I love checking out airport reviews and reading blogs about them. It might sound nerdy, but it’s a lifesaver! Knowing what to expect helps me avoid common travel mishaps like missing flights or wasting money. And trust me, my first review had to be Liberia’s RIA, thanks to the strange and unexpected situations I encountered there.
So, buckle up as I take you through an in-depth look at the features, services, and overall passenger experience at Roberts International Airport. It’s going to be a fun ride!
Facilities and Infrastructure at the Roberts International Airport
Step into the modern marvel that is the terminal at Roberts International Airport (RIA). Designed to handle a growing number of passengers, this facility stands out with its unique architectural front view that left me truly impressed.
Recent upgrades have brought a fresh look and enhanced functionality to the terminal. Let’s dive into some of the features that caught my eye:
- Check-in Counters: Though there were a handful of check-in counters meant to speed up the process, I found myself standing in a long queue with only two counters actually operating. Ah, the joys of travel!
- Security Systems: The airport is equipped with security video screening systems in front of the immigration gate and CCTVs scattered around, ensuring passenger safety. It felt like I was in a spy movie, with cameras keeping a close watch.
What was my experience with the immigration officer?
Streamlined Procedures
Both arrivals and departures benefit from streamlined immigration and customs procedures.
However, my experience was a bit of an adventure. The female immigration officer who attended to me looked very stern. It was early, around 6 a.m., so I wasn’t sure if she was sleepy or just not a morning person, but I had met a lot of Liberians who looked like that during the day.
She took her time processing my documents without uttering a word or cracking a smile.
Usually, immigration officers ask how my stay was in their country, but not her. She didn’t even look at me twice. After asking about my previous accommodation, she abruptly handed back my passport. I said thank you, unsure if I should add a goodbye, and walked away feeling a bit puzzled. This reaction mirrored what I often saw on the faces of many people around the country – a kind of stern, no-nonsense demeanor.
Despite these quirky encounters, the overall experience at Roberts International Airport was memorable and fascinating. So, next time you find yourself traveling through Liberia, remember to expect the unexpected and enjoy the unique charm of Robertsfield!
Passenger Amenities at the Roberts International Airport: A Quirky Night
Roberts International Airport (RIA) offers a handful of amenities aimed at enhancing passenger comfort. But, oh did I have a surprising experience!
Lounges:
To my biggest surprise—and probably yours—there aren’t any lounges within the airport terminal building. This was extremely weird and unseen, at least in my small travel history. The only other country where I saw this was the tiny Chadian airport in N’djamena. My 16-hour layover there in 2019 was one of my worst airport experiences. I couldn’t eat, rest, or even sit down. But that’s a story for another blog.
However, there are only two lounges around the premises, and I wouldn’t call them very comfortable. I peeped into one while passing by and saw nothing extraordinary inside.
The second one wasn’t a VIP lounge for premium travelers as you might think. It was just a restaurant with an open outside veranda. I didn’t go inside because I didn’t want to buy or eat anything.
I stayed outside on the veranda for several hours, from 10 p.m. to 4 a.m. Mosquitos from the nearby bush enjoyed their dinner on every exposed part of my body, while the songs from the toads were deafening without any lyrics. I sat there because I had to, not because I wanted to.
“Why couldn’t you stay at a hotel, Sarah?”
That’s the question I asked myself too, except there was only one hotel within walking distance of the airport. From the gate and view, it was a 5-star I couldn’t afford at this stage of my travel.
What was my experience at the restaurant?
Why did I choose to get an expensive can of soda and sit at the front part of a restaurant?
Because passengers are not allowed inside the airport until 60 minutes before their flights.
Did you just say what?
I did too.
I read that from several reviews on Google about Roberts International Airport when I was unfortunately forced to take a flight.
Permit me spill the details of why I chose to fly out of Liberia instead of taking the road as I planned in another blog. It was a long, sad story.
Many of those reviews were so negative I had to verify before my flight. I took a long 2-hour and 30-minute trip from Mamba Point to RIA just to ask if it was true that passengers are not allowed to enter the terminal until an hour before their flight.
I spent almost $6 just for transportation just to ask this question, and I am grateful I did. The polite guard, without a smile, told me he recommended I come stay at the restaurant. He said almost every day, passengers miss their flights because they arrive at the airport late.
What was the second reason?
Back to the second point, I stayed outside for those hours because it was the only alternative. There are no other affordable hotels beside the airport.
I’m not good at estimating distances, but the nearest accommodation I saw was more than 20 minutes away. Even if I got a hotel 30 minutes away, it would be almost impossible to get a taxi at 3 a.m.
Apparently, RIA is located in an isolated part of Monrovia, so it’s not easy to stand on the street and get a car at any time.
I share this just to inform you not to plan to stay beside the airport as many people, like me, thought too.
However, I saw a few guest houses along the road for $50-$70, but they didn’t seem too fancy. Maybe they had private cars that could do the drop-off service, but I wasn’t willing to spend any more to stay in Liberia.
I had bought a big bowl of fried rice and fish, so I decided not to enter the restaurant; otherwise, it would’ve been disrespectful.
One amazing fact is there were CCTV cameras, so I felt safe. After eating, I couldn’t sleep. What would you have done? I just spent the night browsing and trying to write this blog.
Shopping Adventures at Roberts International Airport
Shopping at Roberts International Airport is a unique experience, to say the least! The airport features only two or three duty-free stores, and surprisingly, no dining options. That’s right—no cafes or restaurants inside the airport. So, if you’re planning to travel, make sure you eat before you get there!
The duty-free shops showcase beautiful African arts, clothes, and a host of other interesting items. I was ready to splurge, but the shop attendant was nowhere to be found. It felt like a treasure hunt with no prize at the end.
In another corner, there was a store that mostly sold drinks and some adorable teddy bear pillows. These cuddly little guys looked so cute that I almost bought one. Instead, I settled for a tiny pack of Mentos chewing gum, spending the last few Liberian dollar notes I had left.
It was a quirky shopping adventure, filled with unexpected twists and turns. Despite the lack of dining options and the elusive shop attendants, the charming stores and unique items made my time at Roberts International Airport quite memorable.
Wi-Fi and Connectivity: A Pleasant Surprise at RIA
One of the biggest surprises at Roberts International Airport was the free Wi-Fi available throughout the terminal. I almost didn’t believe it until I connected! The high-speed internet allowed me to stay connected and entertained.
I especially enjoyed watching videos, including my typical prayer sessions with the late Prophet T.B. Joshua. It was a pleasant and unexpected treat that made my time at the airport much more enjoyable.
Passenger Experience: A Quirky Tale at Roberts International Airport
Check-in and boarding at Roberts International Airport was, to say the least, a weird experience. At around 4 a.m., passengers were expected to line up in front of the airport, regardless of the weather. Rain or shine, we formed a single line on the veranda, waiting for the signal to enter the airport.
I have never seen anything like this in all my nearly 25 country travels. We stood there for more than 30 minutes.
The most annoying and unbelievable part of this wait? We weren’t allowed to use the airport trolleys.
I spotted plenty of them lined up at one end of the veranda and happily tried to grab one for my two big suitcases.
But alas, they were all chained up with a massive padlock!
In shock, I asked an airport staff member who was organizing and issuing luggage tags. He said passengers are not allowed to use trolleys. My jaw dropped so low it practically hit the ground.
I couldn’t believe my ears. I had to push my bags with my legs every other minute along the long line. The weight and sleeplessness at 5 a.m. made me extremely moody. It was the worst airport protocol I couldn’t have anticipated.
Once inside the airport, however, the check-in and boarding processes were smooth. It seemed there was only one flight at a time. For my flight, there were only passengers for Asky airlines. This meant that within minutes, everyone was seated in the waiting room. I saw only two waiting counters and two immigration officers. The process was fast, amazing, and stress-free—uncommon for many big and busy airports.
What was my experience with the airport staff?
The airport staff, on the other hand, are known for being rude, unfriendly, and unprofessional. Several reviewers mentioned that they were extorted for money or forced to pay vaccination fees.
One reviewer even spent an extra $100!
I was determined not to give a dollar if asked. It’s unfair for people to pay for an expensive flight and then be compelled to bribe airport staff upon exit or entry into Liberia.
Fortunately, I didn’t get asked for money by the immigration officers. Maybe because I didn’t smile or seem like I could give anything, but I was happy.
Unfortunately, I did have a strange experience that made me believe the stories about the disrespectful attitude of Liberian officers.
I went to the plastic wrapping section to seal my bag because I wanted to use up the last few Liberian dollars I had. I greeted the two male staff at the machine out of respect and asked how much it was. One told me $5.
Before I could even finish telling them that I had the money in Liberian dollars, one of them walked away, laughing mockingly.
What insolence!
While leaving, he quickly told his colleague I said I didn’t have the money and went away.
I stood there in shock.
How could I pay hundreds of dollars for a flight and not have $5 for parceling?
My surprise reply
My confused look seemed to annoy him more. He rashly told me to leave as if I planned to stay there.
At that rude remark, I had to respond, informing him I wasn’t broke and wasn’t compelled to seal my luggage either.
I almost had to yell because his tone wasn’t respectful.
Exhausted and dizzy, the last thing I needed was to talk to an angry man. Annoyed, I went and checked in without wrapping, praying no one broke my zip.
Despite these quirky encounters, Roberts International Airport remains a memorable part of my travel adventures.
Cleanliness and Maintenance
Roberts International Airport gets a big thumbs-up for cleanliness and maintenance! Despite its small size, the airport maintains impressive standards. The restrooms might not be the most modern, but they do have running water and tissue, which is always a plus.
I was particularly impressed with the waiting areas and other facilities. They were kept clean and well-maintained, adding a touch of comfort to the travel experience. Overall, the airport does a commendable job of ensuring a pleasant environment for passengers.
Ground Transportation to RIA
Getting to Roberts International Airport (RIA) is an adventure in itself! Located quite far from Monrovia, the road to the airport is a mixed bag. While most of it is smooth and express, there are sections with gravel and lots of stones. Rumor has it that the road’s completion has been stuck in a funding dispute for years—classic African country scenario!
The airport is a bit of a distance from other parts of Liberia, and I only saw a few taxis around. These taxis were a colorful assortment, so don’t expect to see any uniform yellow cabs.
They hang out outside the airport gate, which means if you have big luggage like I did, you’ll need to pay an extra $3 for them to make a U-turn closer to the terminal building. Oh, and here’s a fun tidbit: the walk from the main gate to the terminal takes almost 15 minutes!
During my frustration with the lengthy trek and hefty luggage, I was fortunate that some airport staff happened to pass by.
One kind soul offered to help carry one of my bags, sparing me from an impromptu weightlifting session in the rain.
A pro tip: pack light or use luggage with wheels. The pavement in front of the terminal is fully tarred, making rolling bags a breeze.
What about car renting and parking?
I didn’t spot any car rental services or shuttle buses, but honestly, with how empty the airport seemed, I didn’t bother asking. It would be amazing if the government introduced these services. However, given that Liberia isn’t a typical tourist hotspot and many travelers use the road to Ivory Coast or Sierra Leone, I’m not holding my breath.
As for parking, I can’t say for sure how much space is available for those who prefer to drive. From what I observed, parking might not be the best option for a long stay.
I heard from the restaurant owner that cars must pay a parking fee to enter the gates, ranging from $3 to $10, depending on the type of car.
With everything being a bit pricey in Liberia, I wouldn’t be surprised if the cost is on the higher end. I noticed a lot of cars arriving just before 4 a.m., ready to drop travelers off for the early line up. It felt like morning devotion in Secondary school.
Airlines and Destinations
Roberts International Airport may be small, but it hosts a select group of international airlines connecting Liberia to key global destinations. Some of the prominent airlines operating at RIA include:
There are a few more airlines.
While riding in a taxi, I overheard a bit of gossip that there are only a handful of airlines in Liberia because the airport is very small. I’m not sure how true that is, but I do know that when I was searching for flights, the options were limited.
For instance, Asky, which is reputed to have more than a dozen flights a day from Lome, Togo airport had only two flights from Liberia per week. That was quite surprising!
In addition to the international flights, domestic flights and regional carriers connectivity within Liberia and to neighboring countries is quaranteed. Despite its size, Roberts International Airport manages to keep Liberia linked to the world.
Recent Improvements and Future Plans: RIA’s Glow-Up
Gossip travels fast, and Roberts International Airport is no exception! I’ve heard through the grapevine that the airport has been undergoing some impressive upgrades recently. Here’s the scoop:
Runway Renovation: The runway has gotten a major makeover to accommodate larger aircraft and boost safety. It’s like giving the runway a much-needed spa day to handle those big jets with ease.
Terminal Expansion: The terminal building has been expanded to handle more passengers and improve overall capacity.
Although the old building still stands within the gate premises, I’m not quite sure if it’s still in use. It’s like an old friend who’s been replaced by a newer, shinier version!
Conclusion
Roberts International Airport is a vital gateway to Liberia, offering modern facilities and a relatively pleasant travel experience. The airport’s commitment to continuous improvement shines through in these recent upgrades and the positive buzz from travelers.
Whether you’re visiting Liberia for business or leisure, RIA provides a warm and efficient entry point into the country.
As Liberia continues to grow and attract more visitors, Roberts International Airport is set to support this progress and keep Liberia well-connected with the world. It’s all part of the airport’s glow-up journey!
If you’re curious about airports in 19 other countries, be sure to check this page often for updates!
