The Federal Government has suspended Max Air domestic flight operations for three months, following an incident involving one of its aircraft at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport on Tuesday.
The suspension was announced in a statement by the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority, NCAA, on Wednesday.
Recall that a Max Air B734 aircraft, with registration marks 5N-MBD, experienced a tyre burst on landing at about 10:51 pm. However, all 53 passengers on board were evacuated safely.
This incident was the third involving a Max Air plane in just three months.
NCAA’s Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Michael Achimugu, stated that “the NCAA had already been carrying out an organisational risk assessment for all scheduled airlines, including Max Air, before the latest incident.”
“However, as a result of this incident, Max Air is suspending its domestic flight operations for three months, effective from midnight on 31 January 2025, to allow for an internal review of its operations,” he stated.
During the suspension period, the NCAA will conduct a comprehensive safety and economic audit of the airline.
“The safety audit will involve a re-inspection of Max Air’s organisation, procedures, personnel, and aircraft, as specified by the Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations,” Achimugu explained.
He added that the economic audit would assess the airline’s financial health to ensure it can sustain safe flight operations.
“The resumption of Max Air’s domestic flights will depend on the satisfactory completion of this audit,” he added.
While acknowledging the potential disruption to passengers, the NCAA reassured the public that safety remained its top priority.
“The NCAA is aware of the inconvenience this action may cause Max Air’s intending passengers. However, the safety and well-being of passengers is paramount. We appeal for patience and understanding while we ensure the protection of passenger rights,” the statement added.
