By Joshua Tosin Ogunsakin 
The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has announced the suspension of domestic flight operations of Max Air for three months.
The suspension, which would commence from midnight, 31st January 2025, is to ensure an internal appraisal of its operations by its management.
The NCAA said during the suspension that it would conduct a thorough safety and economic audit on Max Air.
The NCAA explained that 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.
The suspension and audit are not unconnected with the incident involving the airline at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport in Kano on Tuesday night.
The aircraft while flying from Lagos to Kano with 53 passengers and six crew members onboard, landed on runway 06 in Kano.
The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) said during the deceleration phase, a loud bang was heard, followed by the aircraft veering sharply to the left.
Confirming the incident, the management of Max Air on its official X handle @MaxAirLtd also announced the incident.
The airline posted: “We wish to inform the public that one of our aircraft experienced an incident upon landing in Kano yesterday. Our crew handled the situation professionally, ensuring the safe evacuation of all passengers and crew members.
“There were no injuries, and the aircraft has since been removed from the runway as of 04:28. As a result, the Kano runway will remain temporarily closed for inspection and clearance, which may lead to some delays in flight operations today, Wednesday, 29/01/2024.
“We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience caused and appreciate your patience as we await further updates on the runway reopening”.
In a statement in Abuja on Wednesday, the Director of Consumer Protection and Public Affairs, NCAA, Mr. Michael Achimugu said the resumption of Max Air’s domestic flight operations will be predicated on the satisfactory completion of the audit.
The statement read: “The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) refers to the incident involving Max Air B734 aircraft with registration marks 5N-MBD, on landing at Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport, Kano, on Tuesday, 28th January 2025 at about 2251 hours.
“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.
“However, as a result of this incident, Max Air is suspending its domestic flight operations for three months with effect from midnight, 31st January 2025, to allow for an internal appraisal of its operations by its management”.
The statement continues: “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.
“The resumption of Max Air’s domestic flight operations will be predicated on the satisfactory completion of this audit”.
The Authority while noting that it is aware of the inconvenience that the suspension and audit exercise may cause intending passengers of Max Air, added that the safety and well-being of passengers is paramount.
“NCAA appeals for patience and understanding while it ensures the protection of passenger rights”.
The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) also said it has launched an investigation into the incident involving a Boeing 737-400 aircraft with registration 5N-MBD, operated by Max Air.
The Director of Public Affairs and Family Assistance, NSIB, Mrs Bimbo Oladeji, said the aircraft flying from Lagos to Kano with 53 passengers and six crew members onboard landed on runway 06.
According to Mrs. Oladeji: “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 NSIB has deployed its GoTeam to the site of the incident. The team’s investigation will focus on identifying the root cause, including any technical, operational, or procedural lapses.”
The NSIB while stating that it remains committed to upholding the highest aviation safety standards and providing recommendations to prevent future occurrences, added that as the investigation progresses, further updates will be provided.