The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) recently announced a three-month suspension of Max Air’s domestic flight operations, effective midnight on 31 January 2025. This decision follows an emergency landing incident at Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport (MAKIA) on 28 January 2025. The suspension aims to facilitate a comprehensive safety and economic audit of Max Air’s operations.
This news platform confirmed that a Max Air flight with registration number 5N-MBD, carrying 53 passengers and six crew members, experienced a tyre burst upon landing at MAKIA. The incident occurred around 10:19 p.m., causing the aircraft to veer sharply to the left during deceleration. Passengers reported smoke filling the cabin, and emergency evacuation procedures were promptly activated. Fortunately, no injuries were reported, and all passengers and crew members were safely evacuated.
The NCAA initiated a thorough safety and economic audit of Max Air in response to the incident. The safety audit will re-inspect Max Air’s organisation, procedures, personnel, and aircraft. In contrast, the economic audit will evaluate the airline’s financial health to ensure its capability to sustain safe flight operations. The NCAA emphasised that the resumption of Max Air’s domestic flight operations will depend on the satisfactory completion of these audits.
Max Air’s management confirmed the incident and praised the crew for their professional handling of the situation. The airline also assured the public that it is collaborating with the Accident Investigation Bureau (AIB) and the Aircraft and Equipment Department (AED) to determine the cause of the incident. Max Air’s Kano Station Manager, Malam Bello Ramalan, confirmed that everyone onboard was safely evacuated and that the airline is working with aviation authorities to investigate the incident.
Max Air’s History of Aviation Mishaps
After the incident, Max Air issued statements to reassure customers that they had matters under control. However, this is not the airline’s first involvement in aviation mishaps.Â
It is high time Max Air’s management took immediate action to address these recurring issues. Safety must be the top priority, as they are responsible for the lives of their passengers. Any negligence or costly mistake would have dire consequences.Â
The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) also needs to fulfil its responsibilities to monitor and regulate the activities of airline operators effectively. In December 2024, a Max Air aircraft experienced an engine fire shortly after taking off from Muhammadu Buhari International Airport in Maiduguri.Â
It was also reported in the news in May 2023 that another Max Air aircraft crashed on the runway at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja. These incidents have raised serious questions about the airline’s safety protocols and maintenance practices.
Impact of Max Air’s suspension on passengers
The three-month suspension of Max Air’s operations will undoubtedly inconvenience passengers. Many travellers may need to seek alternative airlines or routes, which could result in delays and increased travel costs. The NCAA has appealed to passengers for patience and understanding while conducting audits.
While passengers are entitled to refunds or rebooking options with partner airlines, securing these can be time-consuming and may lead to financial strain, especially for those who have already paid for their tickets.
This indicates that the suspension will inconvenience passengers, particularly those who depend on Max Air for frequent travel. They will have to modify their travel arrangements and may encounter longer travel times or less convenient flight schedules.
While the suspension aims to ensure passenger safety, it may also raise concerns among travellers about the overall safety of air travel. Passengers might feel anxious about flying with other airlines, even though the suspension is a proactive measure to address safety issues.
Max Air’s customer service team will likely encounter a heavier workload as they manage inquiries, refunds, and rebookings. Providing timely and efficient customer service will be essential for maintaining passenger trust and satisfaction.
The suspension could have broader economic implications, affecting tourism, business travel, and the airline’s revenue. The financial health of Max Air will be closely monitored during the suspension period to ensure its ability to sustain safe flight operations.
What must the NCAA do to prevent future incidents?Â
As the regulatory body that sets safety standards for aircraft operations, the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) should increase the frequency and thoroughness of safety audits and inspections for all airlines operating within Nigeria. This includes strictly examining aircraft maintenance records, crew training programs, and operational procedures. This should align with industry standards; strict compliance with international aviation safety standards and regulations should be enforced. Airlines that fail to meet these standards should face fines and suspensions.
The agency should ensure that all airline operators conduct training programs for airline personnel, including pilots, crew members, and maintenance staff. Training should cover emergency procedures, handling technical malfunctions, and regular refreshers on safety protocols.
NCAA should ensure that airlines adhere to maintenance schedules and practices. They should carry out regular checks, and timely repairs of aircraft components, especially critical parts like landing gear and tyres, should be mandatory.
Establishing a robust incident reporting system that encourages prompt reporting of technical issues or near-miss incidents is necessary. The data should be analysed to proactively identify patterns and address potential safety concerns.
The regulatory body (NCAA) should collaborate with international aviation organisations, such as the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), to adopt best practices and stay updated on global safety standards and advancements.
Explore Further:
- Air Travel in Nigeria: Guide to Domestic Airlines and Destinations
- Air Travel in Nigeria
- Nigeria Domestic Airlines
