Max Air Suspends Operations For Three Months After Kano Landing Incident

Max Air has decided to suspend its operations for three months following an incident at Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport involving one of its aircraft.

The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) spokesperson, Michael Achimugu, announced the decision on Wednesday, a day after the incident.

On Tuesday night, a Max Air Boeing 737-400 (registration 5N-MBD) landed at the airport at 10:51 p.m. when its landing gear collapsed, and a tire burst, causing panic among passengers.

Fortunately, the six crew members and 53 passengers onboard did not suffer any major injuries during the incident.

The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) confirmed that the runway has been cleared and normal flight operations have resumed.

Meanwhile, the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has launched an inquiry into the cause of the incident.

In a statement on Wednesday the NCAA stated that while it has been conducting risk assessments for all airlines, including Max Air, the latest incident has prompted the airline to suspend domestic flights from midnight on January 31, 2025, to allow for an internal review.

“The NCAA will provide the required support to the NSIB in this regard. It must be stated that the specific cause(s) of this incident can only be established after the NSIB has conducted its investigation,” the NCAA stated.

“It is instructive to note that the NCAA had commenced organisational risk profiles for each scheduled operator, including Max Air, which is nearing its conclusion.

“However, as a result of this incident, Max Air is suspending its domestic flight operations for a period of three months with effect from midnight, 31st January, 2025, to allow for an internal appraisal of its operations by its management.”

The regulator said during the period, it would conduct a thorough safety and economic audit on Max Air.

“The safety audit will entail a re-inspection of Max Air’s organization, procedures, personnel, and aircraft as specified by Part 1.3.3.3(b) of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations, while the economic audit will critically examine the financial health of the airline to guarantee its capability to sustain safe flight operations.

“The resumption of Max Air’s domestic flight operations will be predicated on the satisfactory completion of this audit.

“The NCAA is aware of the inconvenience this action may cause intending passengers of Max Air. However; the safety and well-being of passengers is paramount,” the statement concluded.

This is not the first time Max Air has faced suspension. In July 2023, the NCAA grounded its operations over similar concerns but later lifted the restriction.

KanyiDaily had also reported how Max Air aircraft lost six tires while trying to take off from Yola Airport in Adamawa.