The Federal Government has suspended the operations of Max Air, following an incident involving one of its aircraft at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport on Tuesday.
It can be recalled that a Max Air B734 aircraft, with registration marks 5N-MBD, experienced a tyre burst on landing at about 10:51 pm. However, all 53 passengers on board were evacuated safely.
This incident was the third involving a Max Air plane in just three months.
The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) confirmed the incident in a statement.
The statement said the NCAA will provide support to the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) which has launched an investigation into the occurrence.
Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Michael Achimugu, stated that the cause of the incident can only be established after the NSIB’s investigation.
Achimugu announced that Max Air would suspend its domestic flight operations for three months, effective midnight, January 31, 2025. During this period, the NCAA will conduct a thorough safety and economic audit on Max Air.
He said, “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 NCAA is aware of the inconvenience this action may cause intending passengers of Max Air. However; the safety and well-being of passengers is paramount. Thus, the NCAA appeals for patience and understanding while it ensures the protection of passenger rights.”
