FOLLOWING A TYRE burst incident involving one of Max Air’s aircraft in Kano on Tuesday night, the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has suspended the airline’s domestic flight operations.
NCAA is the federal body responsible for regulating aviation safety, overseeing airport standards, and enforcing aviation laws and policies in Nigeria.
The affected Boeing 737-400 aircraft, with registration number 5N-MBD, suffered a tyre burst while landing at Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport at about 10:51 p.m. on 28 January 2025.
Although all 53 passengers on board were evacuated safely, the aircraft was temporarily grounded before the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria reopened the runway around 8:00 a.m. on Wednesday.
The incident, the third involving Max Air in three months, is currently being investigated by the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, NCAA’s Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Michael Achimugu, confirmed the suspension and said the regulatory agency would assist the NSIB’s investigation while also evaluating the airline on its own.
“It must be stated that the specific cause(s) of this incident can only be established after the NSIB has conducted its investigation,” Achimugu said.
He pointed out that before the recent incident, the NCAA had already been conducting an organisational risk assessment for all scheduled airlines, including Max Air.
READ ALSO: 53 escape death one month after Max Air Engine Catches Fire
“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.
The NCAA will carry out a thorough safety and financial audit examination of the airline throughout the suspension time.
“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.
The Explainer reported that about 53 passengers who boarded Max Aircraft from Lagos To Kano State, escaped death after the plane crashed and landed on Tuesday night at Malam Aminu Kano International Airport (MAKIA).
The plane, a Max Air aircraft with registration number 5N-MBD, B733 crash-landed on Tuesday night at Malam Aminu Kano International Airport (MAKIA).
