NCAA Suspends Max Air Operations for 3 Months After Emergency Landing in Kano

•To conduct air safety audit on airline, says resumption dependent on satisfactory audit completion

Kasim Sumaina in Abuja and Ahmad Sorondinki in Kano

The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has suspended Max Air from domestic operations following the incident involving its B734 aircraft with registration marks 5N-MBD, over an emergency landing at Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport, Kano on Tuesday, 28th, January 2025, at about 2251 hours.

NCAA, which also hinted at plans to conduct a thorough safety and economic audit on the airline, stated that the suspension would start from midnight, 31st January, 2025, to allow for an internal appraisal of its operations by its management.

Statutorily, the NCAA noted that the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB), has already initiated an investigation into the occurrence.

Director, Consumer Protection and Public Affairs, NCAA, Mr. Michael Achimugu, disclosed that the agency would provide the required support to the NSIB in this regard.

Achimugu, in a statement yesterday, explained that, “It must be stated that the specific cause(s) of this incident can only be established after the NSIB has conducted its investigation.

“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 three months with effect from midnight, 31st January 2025, to allow for an internal appraisal of its operations by its management.

“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 organisation, 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.

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

No fewer than 59 passengers had escaped death as a Max Air aircraft with registration number 5N-MBD, B733 crash-landed at Malam Aminu Kano International Airport, (MAKIA) on Tuesday night( 10.19 pm).

The incident occurred when the aircraft with the passengers alongside six crew members arrived MAKIA from Lagos State.

According to the narration of one of the passengers, who craved anonymity, one of the plane’s front tyres had busted into flames when the pilot tried to land at the airport.

“Immediately the tyre of the aircraft burst into flame, smoke enveloped inside the aircraft and we had to alight through the emergency exit door.

“As we were coming out of the aircraft, the fire servicemen were already spraying the plane with water to contain the flame,” he said.

While confirming the incident at the airport, Kano Station Manager of Max Air, Malam Bello Ramalan, said all the passengers and crew members were safely evacuated.

He, therefore, stated that, “I would like to apologise for the inconvenience caused and express my gratitude to God for the safety of everyone on board. Our primary concern is always the safety of our passengers and crew.

“At Max Air, safety is our top priority, and we take all necessary measures to ensure the well-being of our passengers and crew. We will continue to cooperate fully with the relevant authorities to determine the cause of the incident and implement any necessary corrective actions.”

In the meantime, normalcy has returned to MAKIA after the incident. The runway was opened at 08:00hrs yesterday, after cleaning the premises and normal flight operations have resumed at the airport.

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