Max Air suspends operations, NCAA to conduct safety, economic audit
BY CHUKWUEMEKE IWELUNMO
Max Air has announced a three-month suspension of its domestic flight operations following the tyre burst incident involving its B734 aircraft, registration 5N-MBD, at Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport on January 28, 2025.
The airline’s management made the decision to allow for an internal appraisal of its operations, effective midnight, January 31, 2025.
The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) confirmed the incident and stated that the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has initiated an investigation to determine the cause.
The NCAA will support the NSIB in this process and will conduct a thorough safety and economic audit of Max Air during the suspension period.
The suspension follows an incident involving one of the airline’s Boeing 734 aircraft, registration mark 5N-MBD, which landed at Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport, Kano on January 28, 2025.
The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has initiated an investigation into the occurrence, and the NCAA will provide necessary support to ensure a thorough probe.
The specific cause(s) of the incident can only be established after the investigation is completed.
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In a statement, the Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection at the NCAA, Mr. Michael Achimugu, said that the suspension is aimed at allowing Max Air’s management to conduct an internal appraisal of its operations.
During this period, the NCAA will conduct a thorough safety and economic audit on the airline.
The safety audit will involve a re-inspection of Max Air’s organization, procedures, personnel, and aircraft, while the economic audit will examine the airline’s financial health to ensure its capability to sustain safe flight operations.
The resumption of Max Air’s domestic flight operations will be predicated on the satisfactory completion of the audit.
The NCAA has appealed to intending passengers of Max Air for patience and understanding, assuring them that the safety and well-being of passengers is paramount.
As the authority is committed to ensuring the protection of passenger rights and will continue to monitor the situation closely.
Passengers are advised to make alternative travel arrangements until further notice.
