Max air

The Federal Government, through The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), has announced the suspension of operations by Max Air following Tuesday’s night incident involving the airline’s aircraft in Kano.

A Max Air B734 aircraft with registration marks 5N-MBD, had experienced a tyre burst on landing at Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport, Kano on Tuesday, 28th, January 2025 at about 2251 hours.

This would be the third incident in the space of three months involving a Max Air plane.

Though the 53 passengers on board were evacuated unhurt, the aircraft was temporarily shut before the runway was reopened by the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) by 8:00 am on Wednesday.

The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has also initiated investigation into the occurrence.

However, the regulatory authority, the NCAA, in a statement confirming the incident said it will provide the required support to the NSIB in this regard.

Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Michael Achimugu in a statement said, “It must be stated that the specific cause(s) of this incident can only be established after the NSIB has conducted its investigation.”

He added, “It is instructive to note that the NCAA had commenced organizational risk profiles for each scheduled operator, including Max Air, which is nearing its conclusion.

“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.”

Achimugu stated that during the 3-month period, the NCAA will conduct a thorough safety and economic audit on Max Air.

“The safety audit will entail a re-inspection of Max Air’s organization, 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.

“The resumption of Max Air’s domestic flight operations will be predicated on the satisfactory completion of this audit.

“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.”

Borno State Deputy Governor, Alhaji Umar Usman Kadafur, and over 100 passengers narrowly escaped a tragic incident when a Max Air aircraft experienced an engine fire shortly after takeoff from Maiduguri International Airport.

The incident occurred around 7 p.m. on Wednesday when the aircraft, en route to Abuja, suffered engine failure caused by a bird strike about 10 minutes into the flight. The pilot and crew managed to execute an emergency landing back at Maiduguri Airport, averting disaster.

A Max Air staff member, who spoke on condition of anonymity, confirmed the incident on Thursday morning.

The staff member explained: “Shortly after takeoff, the aircraft struck a bird mid-air, which caused one of the engines to catch fire. The pilot acted swiftly to ensure the safety of all passengers.”

Following the emergency landing, passengers were reportedly in a state of panic, with many opting to collect their luggage and return home rather than board another flight.

However, Max Air management promptly arranged for another aircraft from Kano to transport resilient passengers, including the Deputy Governor, safely to Abuja.

The ill-fated aircraft remains grounded at Maiduguri International Airport, undergoing extensive repairs. Investigations into the incident are currently underway.

The airport authorities have reassured passengers of their commitment to safety and thanked the crew for their professionalism in managing the situation.

A Max Air aircraft carrying 119 passengers and six crew members experienced a major incident during takeoff from Yola Airport en route to Abuja on Sunday evening.

The aircraft, a Boeing 737 with registration 5N-ADB and flight number NGL1649, had four of its tyres burst during the takeoff roll and subsequent taxiing off the runway.

In a statement released by Bimbo Olawumi Oladeji, Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection at the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB), it was reported that the incident occurred as the aircraft was cleared for takeoff.

During the takeoff roll, a loud bang was heard, later identified as the bursting of the rear gear tyres.

Olawumi noted that initially, two tyres burst. While attempting to taxi off the runway, the remaining two tyres also burst, rendering the aircraft completely disabled. Fortunately, no injuries were reported among the passengers and crew.

The statement revealed that a go-team led by Alex Badeh, the NSIB Director General, will visit the incident site to conduct a thorough investigation into the causes of the tyre bursts and to ensure all safety protocols were followed.

This incident follows closely after Max Air resumed its domestic operations post an audit by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority.