FG suspends Max Air for 3 months after Kano incident
The Nigerian government, through the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), has announced the suspension of Max Air’s operations following a recent incident involving one of the airline’s aircraft in Kano.
On Tuesday night, January 28, 2025, a Max Air Boeing 737 aircraft, registered 5N-MBD, experienced a tyre burst while landing at Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport around 10:51 PM. Fortunately, all 53 passengers were evacuated safely and unharmed. However, the aircraft was temporarily blocked on the runway until the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) cleared it and reopened the runway by 8:00 AM on Wednesday.
This incident marks the third occurrence involving a Max Air plane in the past three months. The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has initiated an investigation into the incident.
The NCAA confirmed the incident and expressed its commitment to supporting the NSIB’s investigation. In a statement, Michael Achimugu, Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, stated that the exact cause of the incident will only be determined after the NSIB’s investigation is concluded.
READ ALSO: 53 passengers survive Max Air crash-landing in Kano
Additionally, Achimugu noted that the NCAA had already begun organizational risk assessments for all scheduled operators, including Max Air, which is nearing completion. However, due to this latest incident, Max Air’s domestic flight operations will be suspended for three months, starting at midnight on January 31, 2025. This suspension will allow the airline to conduct an internal review of its operations.
During the suspension period, the NCAA will carry out comprehensive safety and financial audits of Max Air. The safety audit will assess the airline’s organization, procedures, personnel, and aircraft, as required by Nigeria’s Civil Aviation Regulations. The economic audit will review the airline’s financial stability to ensure it can continue operating safely.
Max Air’s domestic operations will only resume after successfully completing these audits. The NCAA has acknowledged the inconvenience this suspension may cause passengers but stressed that passenger safety remains the top priority. The authority has urged travelers to be patient and understanding while it ensures passenger rights are protected.
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