Max Air Suspended By NCAA Following Tyre Burst Incident In Kano Airport.
The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has suspended Max Air’s domestic flight operations following a tyre burst incident involving one of its aircraft in Kano.
The affected Boeing 737-400, registered as 5N-MBD, suffered the tyre failure while landing at Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport at 10:51 p.m. on Tuesday, 28 January 2025. Despite the alarming incident, all 53 passengers on board were safely evacuated. The aircraft was temporarily grounded before the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria reopened the runway at 8:00 a.m. today.
The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has since launched a formal inquiry into the event, marking the third such incident involving Max Air in the past three months.
Confirming the suspension, NCAA’s Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Michael Achimugu, stated that the regulatory body would collaborate with NSIB’s probe while conducting its own assessment of the airline’s safety protocols.
“The specific cause(s) of this incident can only be established after the NSIB has conducted its investigation,” Achimugu explained.
He further revealed that Max Air would suspend its domestic operations for three months, effective from midnight on 31 January 2025, to allow for an internal review of its safety procedures.
During this period, the NCAA will carry out a comprehensive audit of the airline, including a re-inspection of its organisational structure, procedures, personnel, and aircraft, in accordance with Nigeria’s Civil Aviation Regulations. Additionally, an economic audit will assess Max Air’s financial health to ensure the sustainability of its operations.
“The resumption of Max Air’s domestic flights will depend on the satisfactory completion of this audit,” Achimugu stated.
Acknowledging the potential inconvenience to passengers, the NCAA reassured the public that passenger safety remains its top priority.
“We understand that this may disrupt travel plans, but ensuring the safety and well-being of all passengers is paramount. We appeal for patience and understanding while we take the necessary steps to protect passenger rights,” the statement concluded.
