Max Air’s operational track record, particularly in 2024, has drawn attention for multiple safety lapses. On July 22, 2024, a Boeing 737 (5N-ADB) experienced a rear gear tyre burst during takeoff from Yola Airport. The incident escalated as two additional tyres burst while the aircraft attempted to taxi off the runway.
BY ANTHONY OMOH
Max Air’s safety incidents have raised significant concerns regarding the airline’s operational integrity. With the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) conducting a thorough safety and economic audit of the airline during its three-month suspension of operations, it appears there may be a persistent pattern that even the airline acknowledges. The audit, as outlined by the NCAA, is set to examine Max Air’s organizational procedures, personnel, and aircraft, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards. Additionally, the economic audit will evaluate Max Air’s financial viability, ultimately determining the airline’s ability to resume safe operations. The results of this audit will be pivotal in shaping the airline’s future.
In January 2025, Max Air faced another scrutiny after a Boeing 737 (5N-MBD) suffered a suspected nose landing gear collapse, resulting in a tyre burst during landing at Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport. This latest safety incident prompted an immediate investigation by the NCAA. The incident forms part of a worrying trend of recurrent failures, suggesting that Max Air has been unable to fully address its maintenance and operational challenges, even after multiple interventions. The airline has repeatedly found itself under scrutiny due to recurring mechanical issues that continue to threaten passenger safety and operational stability.
A Series of Unfortunate Incidents
Max Air’s operational track record, particularly in 2024, has drawn attention for multiple safety lapses. On July 22, 2024, a Boeing 737 (5N-ADB) experienced a rear gear tyre burst during takeoff from Yola Airport. The incident escalated as two additional tyres burst while the aircraft attempted to taxi off the runway. The Nigeria Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) subsequently launched an investigation into the cause of the tyre burst. With that final report yet to surface, this event was merely the latest in a string of safety failures, raising questions about the airline’s ability to maintain its fleet and adhere to safety protocols effectively.
This latest occurrence recalls previous incidents, particularly the troubling events of 2023. In that year, Max Air experienced a series of serious safety breaches, including the May 7, 2023, Yola–Abuja flight where the aircraft lost its No. 1 main landing gear wheel mid-flight. On July 7, 2023, fuel contamination was discovered in another Boeing 737-300 (5N-MHM) at Yola Airport, further exposing the airline’s maintenance vulnerabilities.
Just days later, on July 11, 2023, a separate flight was forced to abort takeoff due to high exhaust gas temperature, while another flight returned to Abuja mid-air due to a cockpit duct overheat indication. These repeated failures led to the NCAA’s directive to ground Max Air’s Boeing 737 fleet temporarily in July 2023.
Following this temporary grounding, the NCAA ordered a full safety audit of the airline’s operations before allowing its Boeing 737 fleet to return to the skies in August 2023. Despite this intervention, Max Air’s safety incidents continued, as evidenced by the January 2025 and July 2024 tyre burst incidents. These recurrent failures raise concerns about the airline’s commitment to addressing its safety shortcomings and implementing meaningful corrective actions.
Fleet Size and Safety Imperative
The results of these audits have raised serious questions about the airline’s internal operations. A common misconception is that a larger fleet automatically results in more safety concerns, but Max Air’s case contradicts this assumption. Although Max Air operates a smaller fleet compared to major airlines, the frequency of its safety issues suggests that the size of the fleet is not the primary cause of the incidents.
Larger airlines, with hundreds of aircraft, invest heavily in stringent safety measures, regular maintenance, and ongoing crew training, which contributes to their strong safety records. In contrast, Max Air, despite its smaller fleet, continues to face multiple critical failures within a relatively short time frame, including landing gear malfunctions, tyre bursts, and fuel contamination.
The repeated safety incidents, even in the context of a smaller fleet, suggest that the airline’s structural issues, such as inadequate maintenance culture, lapses in regulatory oversight, and potential financial constraints, are the real culprits behind its safety concerns. If a smaller airline like Max Air struggles with these challenges, the risks could escalate significantly if the fleet were to expand. The situation illustrates that fleet size does not necessarily correlate with operational safety; rather, effective management, maintenance, and regulatory oversight play a far more significant role.
In aviation safety, the ability to enforce strict safety standards and conduct preventive maintenance is paramount. Max Air’s situation underscores the need for the NCAA to adopt a more proactive regulatory approach. Aviation experts assert that the NCAA must not treat safety audits as a mere formality. Rather, continuous enforcement of corrective measures is essential to ensuring long-term safety compliance. According to one industry expert, “A full audit should not just be a tick-box exercise; it requires the consistent enforcement of corrective actions to prevent another incident.”
A Call for Preemptive Regulatory Action
In response to these mounting safety concerns, passengers and industry stakeholders are calling on the NCAA to enhance monitoring and enforcement efforts. The demand for stronger regulatory oversight is growing as the airline’s repeated safety failures continue to jeopardize public trust. Stakeholders are urging the NCAA to apply stricter enforcement measures to ensure Max Air adheres to the highest standards of operational safety.
The ongoing investigation into the latest incident in Kano will be crucial in determining whether Max Air can restore confidence in its safety systems. In the coming weeks, regulatory agencies and aviation experts will closely monitor the outcomes of the investigation and the airline’s actions to remedy its operational shortcomings. The airline must prove that it is committed to implementing corrective actions to ensure the safety of its passengers and crew. If Max Air fails to make significant improvements, tougher regulatory measures may be imposed, which could include further suspensions or even a reevaluation of its operating licenses.
Ultimately, Max Air’s ability to demonstrate meaningful progress in addressing its safety challenges will determine its future in the Nigerian aviation sector. The airline must take immediate and decisive actions to restore confidence in its operations and show that it can operate safely within the regulatory framework. Until then, the spotlight will remain on Max Air, with the NCAA, passengers, and industry stakeholders closely watching to see whether the airline can overcome its safety challenges.
