The Federal Government, through the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), has declared that Max Air’s activities have been suspended following Tuesday’s night incident involving the airline’s aircraft in Kano.
On Tuesday, January 28, 2025, at about 2251 hours, a Max Air B734 aircraft with registration marks 5N-MBD suffered a tire blowout while landing at Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport in Kano.
This would be the third incident in the space of three months involving a Max Air plane.
Though the 53 passengers on board were evacuated unhurt, the aircraft was temporarily shut before the runway was reopened by the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) by 8:00 am on Wednesday.
The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has also initiated investigation into the occurrence.
However, the NCAA in a statement acknowledging the occurrence, stated that it will offer the NSIB the necessary support.
According to the Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection Michael Achimugu, “It must be stated that the specific cause(s) of this incident can only be established after the NSIB has conducted its investigation.”
He added, “It is instructive to note that the NCAA had begun organizational risk profiles for each scheduled operator, including Max Air, which is nearing its conclusion,” he continued. However, in response to this occurrence, Max Air is halting its domestic flight operations for three months, starting at midnight on January 31, 2025, to give its management time to conduct an internal assessment of its operations.
Achimugu stated that during the 3-month period, the NCAA will conduct a thorough safety and economic audit on Max Air.
“The safety audit will entail a re-inspection of Max Air’s organization, procedures, personnel and aircraft as specified by Part 1.3.3.3(b) of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations, while the economic audit will critically examine the financial health of the airline to guarantee its capability to sustain safe flight operations.
“The successful completion of this audit will be a prerequisite for Max Air to resume its domestic flight operations. “The NCAA understands how inconvenient this move may be for Max Air’s intended passengers. Passengers’ safety and well-being, however, come first. Therefore, as it protects traveler rights, the NCAA asks for understanding and patience.
