NCAA suspends Max Air domestic flight operations for 3 months

The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has directed the suspension of Max Air  domestic flight operations for three months with effect from midnight of January 31, 2025.

The NCAA Director of Consumer Protection and Public Affairs, Michael Achimugu, made this known in a statement on Wednesday, January 29.

Achimugo noted that the suspension was as a result of the crash-landing of Max Air B734 aircraft with registration marks 5N-MBD at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport in Kano on Tuesday, January 28.

According to him, the suspension is to enable internal appraisal of the airline’s operations.

He said: “During this three-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.”

Achimugo added that the economic audit would critically examine the financial health of the airline to guarantee its capability to sustain safe flight operations.

Max Air plane crashlands in Kano, 53 passengers unhurt

He note do that the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) had initiated an investigation into Tuesday’s incident.

Achimugo said the NCAA would provide the required support to NSIB in that regard.

He stated that the specific cause(s) of the incident could only be established at the end of the investigation.

The crash-landing of the aircraft occurred at approximately 10:48 p.m. according to a statement issued by NSIB’s Director of Public Affairs and Family Assistance, Bimbo Oladeji.

Oladeji said the aircraft, flying from Lagos to Kano with 53 passengers and six crew members onboard, landed on runway 06.

She stated: “During the deceleration phase, while still under 60 knots and with the thrust reversers engaged, a loud bang was heard, followed by the aircraft veering sharply to the left.

“The flight crew promptly regained control and safely brought the aircraft to a stop.

“All 53 passengers and crew members safely disembarked, and no injuries were reported.”

The Star