The Federal Government, via the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), has announced a three-month suspension of Max Air’s operations following an incident involving one of its aircraft in Kano.
On January 28, 2025, a Max Air Boeing 737-400 (registration 5N-MBD) suffered a tire burst upon landing at Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport around 10:51 PM. Fortunately, all 53 passengers were safely evacuated without injury, and the aircraft was temporarily grounded until the runway was reopened by the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) at 8:00 AM on January 29.
This incident marks the third occurrence involving Max Air in just three months. In response, the NCAA has initiated an investigation through the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) to determine the specific causes behind the incident. The NCAA stated that it will offer support to the NSIB during this process.
Michael Achimugu, Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, confirmed the suspension in a statement, noting that Max Air will halt its domestic flight operations starting at midnight on January 31, 2025. This decision aims to allow the airline’s management to conduct an internal review of its operations.
During the suspension, the NCAA plans to carry out comprehensive safety and economic audits of Max Air. The safety audit will re-evaluate the airline’s organization, procedures, personnel, and aircraft in line with Nigeria’s civil aviation regulations. Meanwhile, the economic audit will assess the financial stability of the airline to ensure it can maintain safe operations.
Achimugu acknowledged the inconvenience this might cause passengers but emphasized that their safety is the utmost priority. The resumption of Max Air’s operations will depend on the satisfactory completion of these audits.
