Air travel safety remains a top priority for aviation authorities worldwide, and the recent incident involving a Max Air Boeing 737-400 aircraft at Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport (MAKIA) has once again brought this issue to the forefront. As a result of this event, Max Air has announced a 90-day suspension of its domestic flight operations to allow for a thorough safety evaluation. Oluwakemi Awe writes
In the wake of an incident involving a Max Air Boeing 737-400 aircraft at Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport (MAKIA), the airline has announced the temporary suspension of its domestic flight operations for a period of 90 days, effective midnight on January 31, 2025.
The incident occurred on the night of January 28, 2025, when the aircraft, registered as 5N-MBD, was landing on Runway 06 after a flight from Lagos to Kano. Onboard were 53 passengers and six crew members. During the deceleration phase, while the thrust reversers were engaged, a loud bang was heard, and the aircraft veered sharply to the left.
The flight crew swiftly regained control and safely brought the aircraft to a stop. A subsequent examination revealed a nose wheel collapse and a rear tire burst upon landing. Fortunately, all passengers and crew members disembarked safely, and no injuries were reported.
In response, the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has launched an inquiry into the cause of the incident. According to Mrs. Bimbo Olawumi Oladeji, Director of Public Affairs and Family Assistance at the NSIB, the bureau has dispatched its GoTeam to the site to conduct a thorough investigation into the technical, operational, and procedural factors that may have contributed to the event.
Concurrently, the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the NSIB’s investigation. The NCAA disclosed that it had already been conducting risk assessments for all scheduled operators, including Max Air.
However, in light of this incident, the regulatory body will now carry out a comprehensive safety and economic audit of the airline during the 90-day suspension period.
According to Mr. Michael Achimugu, Director of Consumer Protection and Public Affairs at the NCAA, the safety audit will focus on evaluating Max Air’s organizational structure, procedures, personnel, and fleet in line with Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations. Meanwhile, the economic audit will assess the airline’s financial viability to ensure its ability to sustain safe flight operations in the long term. The resumption of Max Air’s domestic services will be contingent upon the satisfactory completion of this audit.
Max Air, in its official statement, described the suspension as a proactive measure aimed at reinforcing its operational safety and service excellence. The airline reassured the public of its unwavering commitment to passenger safety and pledged full cooperation with aviation authorities during the evaluation process.
“All affected passengers with bookings during the suspension period will be eligible for full refunds or rebooking with partner airlines,” the airline’s management stated. “Our customer service team will be available to assist all affected passengers.”
While the airline acknowledged the temporary inconvenience caused by the suspension, it emphasized that the decision would help enhance safety and reliability, ultimately restoring public confidence in its operations. Max Air has promised to provide regular updates through its website and verified social media channels.
The runway at Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport was temporarily closed for cleaning but was reopened by 8:00 AM the following morning, allowing normal flight operations to resume.
As the NSIB investigation progresses, the aviation industry and affected passengers eagerly await further findings and the eventual outcome of the safety audit. In the meantime, the focus remains on ensuring the highest standards of air travel safety and operational integrity in Nigeria’s aviation sector.
