The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), has suspended Max Air after Tuesday’s night incident involving the airline’s aircraft in Kano.
Spokesperson of the NCAA, Michael Achimugu disclosed this on Wednesday in Abuja, adding that it will provide the required support to the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) that has begun investigation into the accident.
Achimugu said, “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.”
According to Achimugu, 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 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.”
A Max Air B734 aircraft with registration marks 5N-MBD, had a tyre burst on landing at the Malam Aminu Kano International Airport, Kano on Tuesday, January 28, 2025 at about 2251 hours.
All 53 passengers on board were evacuated unhurt and the aircraft was temporarily shut before the runway was reopened by the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) by 8:00 am on Wednesday.
