A Max Air flight carrying the Deputy Governor of Borno State, Dr. Usman Kadafur, and over 70 passengers made an emergency landing at the Maiduguri International Airport on Wednesday after one of its engines caught fire shortly after takeoff.

Zagazola Makama, a security expert, reported that the incident occurred about 10 minutes into the flight, which was en route from Maiduguri to Abuja. Preliminary findings suggest that the aircraft struck a bird, leading to engine damage and a subsequent fire.

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The pilot responded swiftly to the emergency, shutting down the affected engine and safely returning the aircraft to Maiduguri. All passengers and crew members on board were unharmed, with emergency protocols effectively implemented.

Max Air promptly arranged a replacement aircraft to transport the stranded passengers to Abuja. The replacement flight departed Maiduguri at approximately 11:00 p.m., minimizing disruptions to passengers’ travel plans.

Bird strikes are a recognized risk in aviation, particularly during takeoff and landing. Airlines are encouraged to conduct routine wildlife hazard assessments and implement bird control measures around airports to mitigate such occurrences.

The damaged aircraft is currently undergoing repairs at the Muhammadu Buhari International Airport, Maiduguri.