On the night of January 28, 2025, a Max Air Boeing 737-400, registered as 5N-MBD, experienced a significant incident upon landing at Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport in Kano. The aircraft, operating Flight VM1605 from Lagos, suffered a tyre burst during touchdown at approximately 10:51 p.m. All 53 passengers on board were safely evacuated, and no injuries were reported. Following the incident, the aircraft was temporarily grounded, leading to the closure of the runway until 8:00 a.m. the following morning, when the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) reopened it.
Regulatory Response
In response to the incident, the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) announced a suspension of Max Air’s domestic flight operations for a period of three months, effective from midnight on January 31, 2025. This decision aims to allow the airline to conduct an internal review of its operations. During this suspension, the NCAA will perform a comprehensive safety and economic audit of Max Air. The safety audit will involve a thorough re-inspection of the airline’s organization, procedures, personnel, and aircraft, as specified by the Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations. Concurrently, the economic audit will assess the airline’s financial health to ensure its capability to maintain safe flight operations. The resumption of Max Air’s domestic flights will be contingent upon the satisfactory completion of these audits.
Investigation Initiatives
The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has initiated an investigation into the incident to determine its root causes. The NCAA has expressed its commitment to supporting the NSIB’s probe while conducting its own assessment of the airline. Michael Achimugu, NCAA’s Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, emphasized that the specific causes of the incident can only be established after the NSIB concludes its investigation.
Historical Context
This event marks the third incident involving Max Air in the past three months, raising concerns about the airline’s operational safety. In May 2023, a Max Air Boeing 737-400 experienced a landing incident at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja due to a tire burst. All 143 passengers and an infant were safely evacuated, but the aircraft was destroyed. Investigations into that incident were initiated by the NSIB.
Max Air’s Profile
Established in 2008 by Alhaji Dahiru Barau Mangal, Max Air is a Nigerian airline operating domestic and international flights. The company’s head office is located in Kano State, with its base at Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport. The airline operates a fleet that includes Boeing 737-300, 737-400, 747-400, and 777-200 aircraft, serving various destinations across Nigeria and the Middle East.
Passenger Advisory
The NCAA acknowledges the potential inconvenience this suspension may cause to Max Air’s passengers. However, the authority emphasizes that the safety and well-being of passengers remain paramount. Passengers are advised to contact Max Air directly for information regarding flight cancellations, refunds, or rebooking options. The NCAA appeals for patience and understanding from the public as it undertakes measures to ensure the protection of passenger rights and the enhancement of aviation safety standards in Nigeria.
Conclusion
The suspension of Max Air’s domestic operations underscores the NCAA’s commitment to maintaining stringent safety protocols within Nigeria’s aviation sector. The forthcoming audits and investigations are expected to provide insights into the incident and guide necessary corrective actions. The aviation community and the public will closely monitor developments as Max Air works towards addressing the identified issues and resuming safe flight operations.
