- To undergo safety, economic audit by NCAA
- NSIB begins probe of Kano incident
The Management of Max Air has announced the suspension of its domestic flight operations for 90 days effective midnight 31st January 2025.
The airline, via its official X handle @MaxAirLtd, explained that the suspension would enable it to carry out internal operational evaluation.
The airline urged booked passengers during the suspension period to receive full refunds or rebooking options with partner airlines.
It assured that its customer service team will be available to assist all the affected passengers.
The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has also disclosed plans to conduct a thorough safety and economic audit on Max Air.
The NCAA explained that 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 suspension and audit are not unconnected with the incident involving the airline at the Mallam Aminu Kano International
According to the Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Mrs Obiageli Orah, on Tuesday, January 28, 2025, at 22:50, a Max Air Boeing 737, registration 5N-MBD, experienced a nose wheel landing gear collapse and a rear tyre burst while landing on Runway 06/24 at Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport Kano.
Read Also: BREAKING: Max Air slammed with 3-month suspension after Kano incident
FAAN said the aircraft had 53 passengers and six crew members on board.
It noted that there were no injuries to the passengers or the crew members on board, adding that emergency services responded promptly, and the incident was managed according to the emergency response plan.
It also stated that the aircraft has been towed to Bay 5 for further investigation, which is ongoing by the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) to determine the root cause of the incident.
Announcing its suspension, the airline, in a statement, stated: “This is to inform the general public that Max Air is suspending its domestic flight operations for 90 days effective Midnight 31st January 2025. This is to enable us to carry out internal operational evaluation.
“The proactive measure demonstrates our unwavering commitment to passenger safety and service excellence.
“The safety of our passengers and crew remains our highest priority and we believe this voluntary suspension will allow us to exceed industry standards and restore public confidence in our operations.
“All affected booked passengers during the suspension period are enjoined to receive full refunds or rebooking options with partner airlines. Our customer service team will be available to assist all the affected passengers.
“We are actively working with the aviation authorities during this period to ensure that every statutory requirement is met.
“In view of the foregoing, therefore, we deeply regret the temporary inconvenience this will cause our valued domestic customers. However, we believe this investment in safety and reliability will significantly enhance our service quality delivery for years to come. Regular updates will be provided through our website and verified social media channels.”
In a statement in Abuja yesterday, the Director of Consumer Protection and Public Affairs, NCAA, Mr. Michael Achimugu said the resumption of Max Air’s domestic flight operations will be predicated on the satisfactory completion of the audit.
The statement read: “The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) refers to the incident involving Max Air B734 aircraft with registration marks 5N-MBD, on landing at Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport, Kano, on Tuesday, 28th January 2025 at about 2251 hours.
“Statutorily, the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has initiated an investigation into the occurrence.
“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.
“It is instructive to note that the NCAA had commenced organizational 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.
“During these three months, the NCAA will 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 Authority while noting that it is aware of the inconvenience that the suspension and audit exercise may cause intending passengers of Max Air, added that the safety and well-being of passengers is paramount.
“NCAA appeals for patience and understanding while it ensures the protection of passenger rights”.
The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) also said it has launched an investigation into the incident involving the aircraft operated by Max Air.
The Director of Public Affairs and Family Assistance, NSIB, Mrs Bimbo Oladeji, said the aircraft flying from Lagos to Kano with 53 passengers and six crew members onboard landed on runway 06.
According to Mrs. Oladeji: “During the deceleration phase, while still under 60 knots and with the thrust reversers engaged, a loud bang was heard, followed by the aircraft veering sharply to the left.
“The flight crew promptly regained control and safely brought the aircraft to a stop.
“All 53 passengers and crew members safely disembarked, and no injuries were reported. The NSIB has deployed its GoTeam to the site of the incident. The team’s investigation will focus on identifying the root cause, including any technical, operational, or procedural lapses”.
The NSIB while stating that it remains committed to upholding the highest aviation safety standards and providing recommendations to prevent future occurrences, added that as the investigation progresses, further updates will be provided.
