LAA to Commence Staff Retirement, Downsizing
Monday, June 30, 2025
The Liberia Airport Authority (LAA) has announced a comprehensive workforce restructuring exercise set to begin in July 2025, which will include staff retirement, downsizing, rightsizing, and internal reshuffles across departments. The move is part of the authority’s broader reform agenda to enhance efficiency, reduce operational redundancies, and align staffing structures with current aviation industry demands. According to a statement released by the LAA Communications Department on Friday, June 28, 2025, the initiative follows months of internal assessments, staff performance evaluations, and budgetary reviews aimed at modernizing operations and ensuring financial sustainability. The restructuring is expected to affect employees across various units, including administration, operations, and security services. The LAA noted that several staff members who have reached the mandatory retirement age or have completed the required years of service will be formally retired with full benefits. Others whose roles are deemed redundant or overlapping due to evolving operational needs will be included in the downsizing and rightsizing process.
Speaking on the upcoming changes, LAA Managing Director Madam Marian A. Dahn stated: “This decision was not taken lightly. However, as part of our mission to transform the Liberia Airport Authority into a modern, efficient, and financially viable institution, we must ensure that our staffing structure reflects the needs of today’s aviation environment. These adjustments are necessary to improve service delivery, streamline operations, and optimize resource allocation.” In addition to downsizing and retirement, the LAA will conduct an internal reshuffle of several departmental heads and key staff. This aims to realign skill sets with strategic priorities, foster innovation, and create a performance-driven culture. Employees affected by the reshuffle will be notified by their respective department heads, and new appointments are expected to be announced by mid-July. The LAA emphasized that all measures will be implemented in full compliance with Liberia’s labor laws and civil service regulations. Affected employees will receive detailed communication regarding their status, available severance packages, and support for transition where applicable.
To manage the process with fairness and accountability, the LAA has established a Human Resource Task Force comprising senior executives and legal advisors. The task force will provide oversight throughout the restructuring exercise, address employee concerns, and ensure proper documentation and grievance resolution. “We are committed to transparency and due process,” said HR Director Emmanuel Kollie. “While change can be challenging, we believe this realignment is essential to building a more agile and responsive LAA.” The LAA says the restructuring will position it for growth, attract new investment opportunities, and improve Liberia’s standing in regional and international aviation sectors. Management reassures the public and aviation stakeholders that airport operations at Roberts International Airport (RIA) and other domestic facilities will remain uninterrupted during the transition.
