The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has suspended Max Air’s domestic flight operations for three months after a tyre burst incident involving one of its aircraft at Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport, Kano.
The Federal Government, through the NCAA, made the announcement on Wednesday.
A Max Air B734 aircraft, with registration marks 5N-MBD, suffered a tyre burst while landing on Tuesday, January 28, 2025, at approximately 22:51 hours. This incident marks the airline’s third within 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 into the matter.
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 the suspension period, the NCAA will conduct a comprehensive 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.
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He further 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 the suspension may cause 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.
This is not the first time Max Air has faced a flight scare. SaharaReporters previously reported that, according to information published on the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority’s website on May 8, 2023, the airline had a similar incident involving 144 passengers and six crew members.
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