NCAA pounds Max Air with suspension after Kano Airport incident

The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has suspended Max Air’s commercial operations for three months following an incident involving one of its aircraft at Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport.

The decision was announced on Wednesday by NCAA spokesperson Michael Achimugu, coming just hours after the Tuesday night mishap.

The affected aircraft, a Max Air Boeing 737-400 with registration 5N-MBD, encountered a landing gear collapse and tire burst while touching down at 10:51 pm, causing panic among passengers. Despite the alarming situation, all 53 passengers and six crew members onboard escaped without major injuries.

Following the incident, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) swiftly cleared the runway, allowing flight operations to resume.

However, the suspension of Max Air’s commercial flights remains in place as authorities investigate the cause of the failure.

“The NCAA will provide the required support to the NSIB in this regard. It must be stated that the specific cause(s) of this incident can only be established after the NSIB has conducted its investigation,” the NCAA stated.

“It is instructive to note that the NCAA had commenced organisational risk profiles for each scheduled operator, including Max Air, which is nearing its conclusion.

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

The regulator said during the period, it would 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.

“The NCAA is aware of the inconvenience this action may cause intending passengers of Max Air. However; the safety and well-being of passengers is paramount,” the statement concluded.

Recall that the NCAA had suspended Max Air operations in July 2023 over safety-related issues but lifted the sanction.