Max Air has explained the emergency landing of its Flight VM1623 with registration number 5N-BBM, which returned to Maiduguri airport shortly after takeoff on Wednesday evening.
The incident occurred around 7 p.m. when the aircraft, en route to Abuja, struck a bird mid-air, causing one of its engines to catch fire. Among the over 100 passengers on board were the Borno State Deputy Governor, Umar Kadafur, and other government officials, including a commissioner, special advisers, and senior special assistants.
A Max Air staff member, speaking anonymously, confirmed the bird strike and praised the pilot’s swift actions in shutting down the affected engine and executing a safe emergency landing at Maiduguri airport.
The airline later dispatched a rescue aircraft from Kano to transport the passengers, including the deputy governor, safely to Abuja. However, some passengers, shaken by the incident, chose to return home instead of continuing their journey.
In a statement on Friday, Max Air reaffirmed its commitment to passenger safety, stating:
“The air return was initiated following engine abnormalities detected during takeoff. The affected engine was shut down as a precaution, allowing a safe landing. We are working with aviation authorities to investigate the cause and prevent future occurrences.”
Max Air assured its passengers of the highest safety and operational standards, emphasizing its dedication to minimizing disruptions and maintaining trust.
