Max Air Grounded For 3 Months

Max Air has announced the suspension of its domestic flight operations for three months, starting from midnight on January 31, 2025. The decision follows an incident involving one of its Boeing 737 400 aircraft (registration 5N-MBD) at Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport (MAKIA) on Tuesday night.
The aircraft, operating Flight VM1605 from Lagos, suffered a tyre burst upon landing at 10:57 p.m., causing panic among passengers. Fortunately, all passengers and crew members were safely evacuated without injuries.

The airline stated that its crew handled the situation professionally, ensuring the safety of everyone onboard. The aircraft was eventually removed from the runway by 4:28 a.m.

In response, the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) confirmed that the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has launched an investigation into the incident. The NCAA has pledged to support the probe while also conducting a comprehensive safety and economic audit of Max Air during the suspension period.

According to a statement signed by Michael Achimugu, NCAA’s Director of Consumer Protection and Public Affairs, the safety audit will focus on re-inspecting Max Air’s organisational structure, procedures, personnel, and aircraft, in line with the Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations. Additionally, the economic audit will assess the airline’s financial health to ensure its ability to sustain safe flight operations.

“However, as a result of this incident, Max Air is suspending its domestic flight operations for three months with effect from midnight, 31st January 2025, to allow for an internal appraisal of its operations by its management.

“During these 3 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. We are aware of the inconvenience this action may cause to intending passengers, but safety remains our top priority,” the statement read

On their part, the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has launched an investigation into the incident.

In a statement signed by its spokesperson, Bimbo Oladeji, NSIB said the aircraft, flying from Lagos to Kano with 53 passengers and six crew members onboard, landed on runway 06. “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,”

Max Air has apologised for the disruption and assured passengers that its engineering team is working diligently to resolve the situation. The temporary closure of the Kano runway for inspection and clearance may also cause flight delays on Wednesday, January 29, 2025.

As investigations continue, Max Air’s management has expressed its commitment to ensuring safe operations and will conduct an internal appraisal during the suspension period. The airline has promised to keep passengers updated on any developments.