Max Air suspends operation for three months

Max Air on Wednesday announced a three-month suspension of its operations following an incident involving its B734 aircraft with registration marks 5N-MBD, at Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport, Kano Tuesday, night.

The Boeing 734 series, which departed Lagos for Kano through Abuja on Tuesday crash-landed at Kano airport after overshooting the runway, leaving about 59 passengers and crew members navigated out of the aircraft through an emergency exit.

In a statement Michael Achimugu, Director, Consumer Protection and Public Affairs, said the suspension of domestic flight operations of Max Air with effect from midnight, 31st January 2025, will allow for an internal appraisal of its operations by its management.

Achimugu added that NCAA has commenced organisational risk profiles for each scheduled operator, including Max Air, which is nearing its conclusion due to the incident.

According to him, “During this 3-month period, the NCAA will 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, organizational risk profiles for each scheduled operator, including Max air is nearing conclusion.

“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. Thus, NCAA appeals for patience and understanding while it ensures the protection of passenger rights.”

NCAA noted that by statutory mandate, the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has initiated an investigation into the occurrence. He added that NCAA will provide the required support to the NSIB in this regard.

He cautioned that only the statutory body entrusted with the specific mandate is required to disclose the cause(s) of the incident after a thorough investigation.