Max Air Says International Operations Continues Despite NCAA’s Suspension

Max Air says its international operations remain unaffected despite the recent suspension of its domestic flights by the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA). The NCAA announced the suspension on Wednesday following an incident involving one of its aircraft at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport, Kano, on Tuesday night. The aircraft, carrying 53 passengers, suffered a tyre failure while landing at approximately 10:51 p.m.

All passengers were safely evacuated, and no casualties were reported. The runway was temporarily closed but later reopened by the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) at 8:00 a.m. on Wednesday.

This marks the third incident involving Max Air in the past three months, prompting an investigation by the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB). NCAA’s Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Michael Achimugu, confirmed the incident and emphasised that the root cause would be determined following a thorough investigation by the NSIB. He also noted that the NCAA had already begun conducting risk assessments on all scheduled airlines, including Max Air.

However, Max Air stated on Friday evening, reassuring customers that its international operations were continuing as usual.

The recent incident is not the first time Max Air has been scrutinised for safety concerns. The airline has been involved in multiple incidents over the past two years, raising questions about its operational standards.

On May 7, 2023, one of its aircraft suffered multiple tyre bursts while landing at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja. The incident involved 143 passengers and temporarily shut down the airport as authorities worked to clear the runway.

More recently, on December 5, 2024, a Max Air Boeing 737-3H4 with registration number 5N-BBM caught fire just 10 minutes after takeoff from Maiduguri Airport. The aircraft, carrying over 70 passengers, including Borno State Deputy Governor Usman Kadafur, was forced to make an emergency landing.

Another incident occurred on July 21, 2024, when a Max Air Boeing 737-400 with registration number 5N-ADB suffered a rear tyre burst while taxiing for takeoff at Yola Airport.

A December 2024 report by West Africa Weekly highlighted that between 2023 and 2024, Max Air recorded at least seven major safety incidents, including multiple tyre bursts and mechanical failures.

Read More:

• Nigeria’s Danfo Airline And The NCAA’s Dance With Death
• NCAA Suspends Max Air for Three Months After Several Flight Safety Incidents

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