Max Air Suspended for 3 Months After Kano Airport Incident

Max Air Flights Suspended for Three Months After Aircraft Incident

The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has suspended Max Air, one of Nigeria’s prominent domestic airlines, for three months following a landing incident involving one of its aircraft. The decision comes after a Max Air Boeing 737 aircraft experienced a tyre burst while landing at Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport (MAKIA) on January 28, 2025. This suspension highlights the NCAA’s commitment to ensuring passenger safety and maintaining strict aviation standards in Nigeria.

The incident has raised concerns about the safety of Nigeria’s aviation sector, which has seen several similar occurrences in recent months. The suspension of Max Air’s operations is part of a broader effort by the NCAA to enforce compliance with safety regulations and restore public confidence in the industry. This article delves into the details of the incident, the reasons behind the suspension, and its implications for Nigeria’s aviation sector.

The Incident and Immediate Response

On January 28, 2025, a Max Air Boeing 737 aircraft with registration marks 5N-MBD experienced a tyre burst during landing at MAKIA in Kano. The aircraft, carrying 53 passengers and 6 crew members, safely evacuated all individuals without injuries. However, the incident led to the temporary closure of the runway, causing delays in flight operations the following day.

According to the NCAA, the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has initiated an investigation to determine the cause of the incident. Michael Achimugu, Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection at the NCAA, stated that the specific cause would only be established after the NSIB completes its investigation. The NCAA has pledged full support to the NSIB during this process.

“The safety and well-being of passengers are our top priority. We must ensure that all airlines operating in Nigeria adhere to the highest safety standards,” said Michael Achimugu.

Why Max Air Was Suspended

The NCAA’s decision to suspend Max Air’s domestic flight operations for three months was driven by the need to conduct a comprehensive safety and economic audit of the airline. The suspension, effective from midnight on January 31, 2025, will allow the NCAA to thoroughly inspect Max Air’s organization, procedures, personnel, and aircraft. The economic audit will also assess the airline’s financial health to ensure its ability to sustain safe operations.

This suspension is not an isolated action. The NCAA has been conducting organizational risk profiles for all scheduled operators in Nigeria, including Max Air. While this process was nearing completion, the recent incident accelerated the need for immediate action. The NCAA emphasized that the resumption of Max Air’s operations will depend on the satisfactory completion of the audit.

Max Air’s suspension is part of a broader trend in the aviation industry, where regulatory bodies worldwide are taking stringent measures to ensure compliance with safety standards. The NCAA’s actions reflect its commitment to protecting passengers and maintaining the integrity of Nigeria’s aviation sector.

Broader Implications for Nigeria’s Aviation Sector

The suspension of Max Air highlights the challenges facing Nigeria’s aviation sector, which has been plagued by safety incidents in recent months. In December 2024, a cargo aircraft veered off the runway at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja, raising concerns about the safety of Nigeria’s airspace. Earlier in October 2024, a helicopter crash in the Atlantic Ocean near Bonny Finima resulted in the loss of lives.

In April 2024, the Nigerian government announced a full audit of all local airlines to ensure compliance with safety regulations. This decision followed the suspension of Dana Air after a runway incident involving one of its aircraft. These incidents underscore the need for continuous monitoring and enforcement of safety standards in Nigeria’s aviation sector.

Despite these challenges, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has assured the public that Nigeria’s airspace remains safe. The NCAA’s actions, including the suspension of Max Air, demonstrate its commitment to addressing safety concerns and restoring public confidence in the industry.

Conclusion

The suspension of Max Air’s operations for three months is a significant step by the NCAA to ensure the safety and compliance of Nigeria’s aviation sector. The incident at MAKIA highlights the importance of continuous monitoring and enforcement of safety standards to prevent future occurrences. The NCAA’s comprehensive audit of Max Air will play a crucial role in addressing safety concerns and restoring public confidence in the airline.

Looking ahead, the NCAA’s actions set a precedent for other airlines operating in Nigeria. By prioritizing safety and compliance, the NCAA aims to create a safer and more reliable aviation sector for passengers. The outcome of the audit and the resumption of Max Air’s operations will be closely watched by stakeholders in the industry and the general public.

FAQ

Question: Why was Max Air suspended?
Answer: Max Air was suspended for three months following a tyre burst incident during landing at Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport. The suspension allows the NCAA to conduct a safety and economic audit of the airline.

Question: What will happen during the audit?
Answer: The audit will re-inspect Max Air’s organization, procedures, personnel, and aircraft. It will also assess the airline’s financial health to ensure its ability to sustain safe operations.

Question: When will Max Air resume operations?
Answer: Max Air will resume operations only after the NCAA satisfactorily completes the audit and deems the airline compliant with safety standards.

Sources: BBC News Pidgin, Aviation Metric, Sahara Reporters