The Federal Government, through the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), has suspended Max Air’s domestic flight operations following a tyre burst incident involving one of its aircraft in Kano on Tuesday night.
The affected Boeing 737-400 aircraft, registered as 5N-MBD, experienced a tyre burst while landing at Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport at approximately 10:51 p.m. on January 28, 2025.
Although all 53 passengers on board were safely evacuated, the aircraft was temporarily grounded. The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria later reopened the runway around 8:00 a.m. on Wednesday after necessary inspections. The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has launched an investigation into the incident—the third involving Max Air in the past three months.
Confirming the suspension, NCAA’s Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Michael Achimugu, stated in a press release on Wednesday that the regulatory body would collaborate with NSIB’s probe while also conducting its own assessment of the airline’s operations.
“The specific cause(s) of this incident can only be determined after NSIB completes its investigation,” Achimugu said. He also noted that the NCAA had been conducting an organisational risk assessment for all scheduled airlines, including Max Air, prior to this latest incident.
“In light of this development, Max Air is suspending its domestic flight operations for three months, effective midnight on January 31, 2025, to allow for an internal review of its operations,” Achimugu stated. During the suspension, the NCAA will carry out a comprehensive safety and economic audit of the airline.
“The safety audit will involve a thorough re-inspection of Max Air’s organizational structure, procedures, personnel, and aircraft, in compliance with the Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations,” he explained. Additionally, the economic audit will assess the airline’s financial viability to ensure it can maintain safe operations.
“The resumption of Max Air’s domestic flights will be contingent on the satisfactory completion of this audit,” Achimugu added. While acknowledging the potential inconvenience to passengers, the NCAA reassured the public that safety remains its top priority.
“We understand the disruption this may cause for Max Air’s intending passengers. However, ensuring the safety and well-being of passengers is our paramount concern. We appeal for patience and understanding as we work to protect passenger rights,” the statement concluded.
