The Federal Government, through the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), has suspended Max Air’s operations following an incident involving one of its aircraft at Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport, Kano.
A Max Air Boeing 737-400, with registration number 5N-MBD, suffered a tyre burst while landing on Tuesday, January 28, 2025, at approximately 10:51 PM. All 53 passengers on board were safely evacuated, but the aircraft was temporarily grounded before the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) reopened the runway at 8:00 AM on Wednesday.
This marks the third incident involving a Max Air aircraft in the past three months, prompting an investigation by the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB). The NCAA has pledged full support for the inquiry.
Confirming the development, NCAA’s Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Michael Achimugu, stated, “The specific cause(s) of this incident can only be determined after the NSIB completes its investigation.”
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He also revealed that the NCAA had already begun a risk assessment for all scheduled airlines, including Max Air, which was nearing completion. However, due to the latest incident, Max Air will suspend its domestic flight operations for three months, effective midnight on January 31, 2025, to allow for an internal operational review.
During this period, the NCAA will conduct a comprehensive safety and economic audit of the airline.
“The safety audit will include a thorough review of Max Air’s organization, procedures, personnel, and aircraft in line with Part 1.3.3.3(b) of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations. Additionally, the economic audit will assess the airline’s financial health to ensure its capacity to maintain safe flight operations,” Achimugu explained.
He emphasized that Max Air’s resumption of domestic flights will depend on the successful completion of these audits.
While acknowledging the potential inconvenience to passengers, Achimugu reassured the public that ensuring passenger safety remains the NCAA’s top priority.
“The NCAA appeals for patience and understanding as we work to protect passenger rights and uphold safety standards,” he concluded.