The Federal Government, through the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), has suspended Max Air’s domestic flight operations for three months following an incident involving one of its aircraft at Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport on Tuesday, January 28, 2025.
The aircraft, a Boeing 737-400 with registration number 5N-MBD, suffered a tyre burst upon landing at approximately 10:51 PM. Although all 53 passengers on board were safely evacuated, the runway was temporarily closed before being reopened by the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) at 8:00 AM the next day.
This marks the third safety incident involving Max Air in the past three months, prompting intensified scrutiny by regulatory authorities. The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has launched an inquiry into the incident, with the NCAA pledging full support for the investigation.
Confirming the suspension, NCAA’s Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Michael Achimugu, stated that while the exact cause of the incident is yet to be determined, the airline is halting its domestic operations from midnight on January 31, 2025, to allow for an internal review of its safety procedures.
During the three-month suspension, the NCAA will conduct a comprehensive safety and economic audit of Max Air. The safety assessment will involve re-evaluating the airline’s operational procedures, personnel, and aircraft, while the economic audit will determine its financial stability and ability to sustain safe operations.
Achimugu emphasised that Max Air’s return to service will be contingent on successfully meeting NCAA’s safety and financial requirements. He also acknowledged the inconvenience this may cause to travelers but reassured the public that passenger safety remains the government’s top priority.
Passengers affected by the suspension have been advised to seek alternative travel arrangements as the audit process unfolds.