NCAA Clears Max Air To Resume Operations After Three-Month Suspension

Max Air has received approval from the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) to restart its domestic flights after successfully passing an economic and safety audit.

Michael Achimugu, the NCAA’s Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, announced this in a statement on Monday night, March 17.

The airline had voluntarily suspended its domestic operations for 90 days, starting from midnight on January 31, 2025.

This decision followed a series of flight-related incidents, including a tyre burst at Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport on January 28.

The incident involved a Boeing 737-400 (5N-MBD) and occurred at 10:51 PM while landing. Fortunately, all 53 passengers on board were safely evacuated, but the aircraft was temporarily grounded, and the runway remained closed until 8:00 AM the next day.

During the suspension period, the NCAA conducted an in-depth review of Max Air’s technical and financial stability.

Achimugu explained that the safety audit, carried out between February 26 and 28, 2025, examined the airline’s procedures, staff, aircraft, and overall operations in line with the 2023 Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations.

After confirming that Max Air met the necessary safety requirements, the NCAA granted approval for flights to resume starting at midnight on March 17, 2025.

However, the agency emphasized that the airline would remain under strict monitoring.

“The NCAA will continue to monitor Max Air closely through an enhanced surveillance program to ensure strict compliance with its regulations,” Achimugu stated.

He reaffirmed the NCAA’s commitment to maintaining high safety standards across the aviation industry and ensuring that all airlines operate within strict regulatory guidelines.

KanyiDaily recalls that in January, a Max Air Boeing 737-400 (registration 5N-MBD) landed at the airport. when its landing gear collapsed, and a tire burst, causing panic among passengers.