Updated: Kano airport runway shut after Max Air plane tyre burst

The Kano airport runway has been temporarily closed following a tyre burst incident involving a Max Air flight on Tuesday night.

A Max Air plane, carrying 53 passengers, experienced a tyre burst during landing at Mallam Aminu International Airport in Kano at 10:57pm.

Fortunately, the incident, which occurred on Tuesday night, did not result in any casualties, averting a potential disaster.

Max Air announced the temporary closure of the Kano airport runway on its X account on Wednesday.

“As a result, the Kano runway will remain temporarily closed for inspection and clearance, which may lead to delays in flight operations today, Wednesday, 29/01/2024.

“We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience caused and appreciate your patience as we await further updates on the runway reopening.

“Our crew handled the situation professionally, ensuring the safe evacuation of all passengers and crew members. There were no injuries, and the aircraft has since been removed from the runway as of 04:28,” the airline said.

Max Air commended its engineering team for their prompt response to the incident and reassured passengers that updates on flight schedules would be communicated shortly.

Also, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) confirmed via its official X account on Wednesday that the incident involved Max Air Flight VM1605, with registration no. 5N-MBD.

As stated by the NCAA, “The pilot, cabin crew, and all 53 passengers were safely disembarked with no injuries recorded.

“The aircraft has been removed from the runway to Taxiway B.

“The NCAA has directed that a thorough runway inspection be carried out before the runway is opened.

“The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau has taken charge of the investigation.”

There has been a string of airport mishaps in recent times.

Persecondnews recalls that a United Airlines Boeing 787-8 aircraft made an emergency 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.