The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has suspended Max Air’s domestic flight operations for three months following a tyre burst incident on one of its planes while landing in Kano on Tuesday.
NCAA’s Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Michael Achimugu, confirmed the suspension in a statement issued on Wednesday, a copy of which was obtained by Persecondnews.
He said the regulatory body will collaborate with the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB)’s investigation and conduct its own assessment of Max Air’s operations.
Persecondnews reported that a Max Air Boeing 737-400 aircraft with registration no. 5N-MBD, had a tyre burst while landing at Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport on January 28, 2025, at 10:57 p.m.
Fortunately, the 53 passengers on board were safely evacuated, and following a brief closure, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria(FAAN) reopened the runway by 8:00 a.m. on Wednesday.
The incident is the third involving Max Air in just three months.
Achimugu said: “It must be stated that the specific cause(s) of this incident can only be established after the NSIB has conducted its investigation.”
According to him, the NCAA was already conducting an organisational risk assessment for all scheduled airlines, including Max Air, prior to the recent incident.
He said: “However, as a result of this incident, Max Air is suspending its domestic flight operations for three months, effective from midnight on 31 January 2025, to allow for an internal review of its operations.”
Throughout the suspension, the NCAA will undertake a thorough safety and financial audit of Max Air.
Achimugu said: “The safety audit will involve a re-inspection of Max Air’s organisation, procedures, personnel, and aircraft, as specified by the Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations.”
Additionally, the economic audit will evaluate the airline’s financial stability to guarantee its ability to maintain safe flight operations.
He said: “The resumption of Max Air’s domestic flights will depend on the satisfactory completion of this audit.”
The NCAA acknowledged potential travel disruptions but emphasized that safety remains its utmost priority.
Achimugu added: “The NCAA is aware of the inconvenience this action may cause Max Air’s intending passengers. However, the safety and well-being of passengers is paramount. We appeal for patience and understanding while we ensure the protection of passenger rights.”
There has been a string of airport mishaps in recent times.
Persecondnews recalls that a United Airlines Boeing 787-8 aircraft made an emergency air return to the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, on January 23, injuring 39 passengers and crew members shortly after takeoff for Washington Dulles International Airport.
There were 245 passengers and 11 crew on board, according to the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria(FAAN).
Another similar incident occurred on December 11 at Abuja’s Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, when an Allied Air Cargo plane experienced a tyre burst and veered off the runway.
The incident had caused significant disruptions, delaying multiple flights and prompting a temporary airport shutdown to ensure safety.
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