NCAA suspends Max Air’s domestic flights following incident at Kano airport

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The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has announced that it will provide operational support to the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) as it investigates an incident involving a Max Air B734 aircraft with registration 5N-MBD.

The aircraft landed at Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport, Kano, on Tuesday, January 28, 2025, at approximately 22:51 hours.

According to the NCAA, the NSIB has already commenced an investigation into the occurrence. The agency emphasized that the specific cause of the incident will only be determined upon the completion of the NSIB’s investigation.

The NCAA also disclosed that it had been conducting organizational risk assessments for all scheduled operators, including Max Air, and this review was nearing completion.

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As a result of the incident, Max Air will suspend its domestic flight operations for three months, effective from midnight on January 31, 2025. The airline’s management is expected to use this period for an internal appraisal of its operations.

During the suspension, the NCAA will conduct 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 in line with Part 1.3.3.3(b) of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations.

Meanwhile, the economic audit will assess the airline’s financial viability to ensure its ability to sustain safe flight operations.

The resumption of Max Air’s domestic services will be subject to the satisfactory completion of this audit.

Acknowledging the potential inconvenience to passengers, the NCAA reassured the public that safety remains its top priority. It urged travelers to remain patient and understanding while the necessary measures are taken to safeguard passenger rights and ensure safe flight operations.