The ongoing investigation by the NSIB and the NCAA’s safety and economic audit will ensure that the airline meets all necessary requirements before resuming operations.

BY ANTHONY OMOH

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 safety audit will involve a detailed inspection of Max Air’s organization, procedures, personnel, and aircraft in line with regulatory standards. Additionally, an economic audit will assess the airline’s financial health to ensure its ability to sustain safe flight operations. Max Air’s resumption of domestic flights will depend on the satisfactory completion of this audit.

The NCAA acknowledges the inconvenience this may cause to passengers but stresses that safety remains the top priority. It appeals for patience and understanding as it enforces measures to ensure compliance with aviation safety regulations.

In an official statement, Mr. Michael Achimugu, Director of Consumer Protection and Public Affairs at NCAA, said:

“The NCAA is committed to ensuring the highest standards of safety and regulatory compliance in the aviation sector. While we understand that the temporary suspension of Max Air’s domestic operations may cause disruptions for passengers, this decision prioritizes the safety and well-being of all air travelers. The ongoing investigation by the NSIB and the NCAA’s safety and economic audit will ensure that the airline meets all necessary requirements before resuming operations. We appreciate the public’s patience and cooperation during this period.”

Meanwhile, the NSIB has launched a comprehensive investigation into the Max Air incident at Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport. The incident, which occurred at approximately 10:48 PM local time on Tuesday, January 28, 2025, involved a Max Air B734 aircraft flying from Lagos to Kano with 53 passengers and six crew members onboard. The aircraft had landed on runway 06, and during the deceleration phase, a loud bang was heard, followed by the aircraft veering sharply to the left.

In response, the flight crew immediately regained control and safely brought the aircraft to a stop. Fortunately, all 53 passengers and crew members disembarked safely without any injuries. The NSIB, under the leadership of Mrs. Bimbo Olawumi Oladeji, has deployed its GoTeam to the site of the incident to investigate further. The team will focus on identifying the root cause of the incident, including any potential technical, operational, or procedural lapses.

As the investigation continues, the NSIB remains committed to upholding the highest aviation safety standards. The agency’s primary goal is to provide actionable recommendations aimed at preventing similar occurrences in the future. Additionally, the NSIB will continue to update the public on the progress of the investigation, ensuring transparency throughout the process.

The investigation by the NSIB will play a crucial role in determining whether technical or operational issues contributed to the incident. The findings will guide future regulatory measures and improvements in aviation safety protocols. As always, the NSIB prioritizes the safety and well-being of passengers and crew in its ongoing efforts to enhance aviation standards across Nigeria.