Max Air suspended for 3 months, averts crash at Kano Airport
Joseph Irikefe
The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has suspended Max Air’s domestic flight operations following a tyre burst incident involving one of its aircraft in Kano on Tuesday night.
The incident involved its aircraft at Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport, Kano.
The Federal Government, through NCAA, announced the decision on Wednesday.
A Max Air B734 aircraft, with registration marks 5N-MBD, experienced the tyre burst while landing on Tuesday, January 28, 2025, at about 22:51 hours. This marks the third incident involving the airline in three months.
Although all 53 passengers on board were safely evacuated, the aircraft was temporarily shut down before the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) reopened the runway at 08:00 am on Wednesday.
The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has launched an investigation.
Confirming the incident, NCAA’s Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Michael Achimugu, stated, “It must be stated that the specific cause(s) of this incident can only be established after the NSIB has conducted its investigation.”
Achimugu further explained that the NCAA had already begun organisational risk profiles for all scheduled operators, including Max Air.
“However, as a result of this incident, Max Air is suspending its domestic flight operations for a period of three months with effect from midnight, 31st January 2025, to allow for an internal appraisal of its operations by its management,” he said.
During this period, the NCAA will conduct a thorough safety and economic audit of Max Air. “The safety audit will entail a re-inspection of Max Air’s organisation, 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,” Achimugu stated.
He added, “The resumption of Max Air’s domestic flight operations will be predicated on the satisfactory completion of this audit.”
The NCAA acknowledged the inconvenience to passengers but emphasised that safety remains its top priority.
“The NCAA is aware of the inconvenience this action may cause intending passengers of Max Air.
“However, the safety and well-being of passengers is paramount. Thus, the NCAA appeals for patience and understanding while it ensures the protection of passenger rights,” Achimugu said.
It was reported that the Tuesday’s incident was not the first time Max Air experienced a flight scare.
According to details published on the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority’s website on May 8, 2023, and reviewed by Advocacy Times, the airline previously faced a similar situation involving 144 passengers and six crew members.