The Federal Government, acting through the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), has imposed a three-month suspension on Max Air’s domestic operations following a recent incident involving one of its aircraft in Kano. The decision comes after a Max Air Boeing 737-400 aircraft, with registration number 5N-MBD, experienced a tyre burst upon landing at Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport on Tuesday, January 28, 2025, at approximately 10:51 PM.

This marks the third incident involving a Max Air aircraft within the past three months. Although all 53 passengers on board were safely evacuated and no injuries were reported, the aircraft was temporarily grounded, and the runway was closed until 8:00 AM on Wednesday, when it was reopened by the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN).

The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has launched an investigation into the incident. The NCAA, in a statement, confirmed its commitment to supporting the NSIB’s inquiry. Michael Achimugu, Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, emphasized that the specific cause of the incident can only be determined after the NSIB completes its investigation.

Achimugu also noted that the NCAA had been conducting organizational risk assessments for all scheduled operators, including Max Air, which were nearing completion. However, in light of the recent incident, Max Air’s domestic flight operations will be suspended for three months, effective from midnight on January 31, 2025. This suspension will allow the airline’s management to conduct an internal review of its operations.

During the suspension period, the NCAA will carry out a comprehensive safety and economic audit of Max Air. The safety audit will involve a re-evaluation of the airline’s organizational structure, procedures, personnel, and aircraft, as outlined in Part 1.3.3.3(b) of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations. Simultaneously, the economic audit will assess the airline’s financial stability to ensure it can sustain safe flight operations.

Max Air’s resumption of domestic flights will depend on the satisfactory completion of these audits. The NCAA acknowledged the potential inconvenience to passengers but stressed that passenger safety and well-being remain its top priority. The authority urged the public for patience and understanding as it works to uphold passenger rights and ensure aviation safety.