The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has ordered Max Air to suspend its domestic flight operations for three months, effective midnight, January 31, 2025.
This decision followed after an incident involving a Max Air Boeing 737 400 aircraft with registration marks 5N-MBD, which occurred on January 28, 2025, at Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport, Kano.
The NCAA has initiated an investigation into the incident, which will be conducted by the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB).
Director of Consumer Protection and Public Affairs, NCAA, Mr. Michael Achimugu, explained on Wednesday – today, January 29 – that the authority would provide the necessary support to the NSIB during the investigation, adding that the cause of the incident could only be determined after the investigation is complete.
“The NCAA acknowledged that the suspension may cause inconvenience to passengers but emphasized that the safety and well-being of passengers are paramount.
“The authority appealed for patience and understanding while it ensured the protection of passenger rights.
“Statutorily, the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has initiated an investigation into the occurrence.
“The NCAA will provide the required support to the NSIB in this regard. 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 organizational risk profiles for each scheduled operator, including Max Air, which is nearing its conclusion.
“During these 3 months, 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 organization, 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,” he explained.
