The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has imposed a three-month suspension on Max Air’s domestic flight operations following a recent incident involving a tire burst upon landing at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport. This incident, occurring on Tuesday night, involved a Max Air B734 aircraft carrying 53 passengers who thankfully disembarked unharmed. The incident marks the third occurrence involving Max Air aircraft within a three-month span, prompting the NCAA to take decisive action to ensure passenger safety and conduct a thorough assessment of the airline’s operations. The suspension, effective from midnight on January 31, 2025, aims to allow Max Air to conduct an internal appraisal of its operations and address any underlying safety concerns.
The NCAA’s intervention underscores its commitment to upholding stringent safety standards within the Nigerian aviation industry. While the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has initiated an investigation into the root cause of the tire burst incident, the NCAA’s suspension allows for a broader evaluation of Max Air’s organizational practices, including its safety protocols, personnel training, and aircraft maintenance procedures. The authority emphasized that the specific cause of the incident can only be definitively determined after the NSIB concludes its investigation. However, the recurring nature of incidents involving Max Air aircraft necessitates a proactive approach to mitigate potential risks and ensure the safety of passengers and crew.
During the 90-day suspension period, the NCAA will conduct a comprehensive safety and economic audit of Max Air. The safety audit will encompass a thorough re-inspection of the airline’s organizational structure, operational procedures, personnel qualifications, and aircraft conditions, adhering to the stipulations outlined in Part 1.3.3.3(b) of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations. Concurrently, the economic audit will meticulously examine Max Air’s financial stability to ascertain its capacity to maintain safe flight operations. The resumption of Max Air’s domestic flight services will be contingent upon the successful completion of both audits and the demonstration of satisfactory compliance with all safety and economic requirements.
The NCAA acknowledges the potential inconvenience the suspension may cause to Max Air passengers and has appealed for patience and understanding. The paramount concern is the safety and well-being of passengers, and the authority maintains that the temporary disruption is necessary to ensure the protection of passenger rights and prevent further incidents. Max Air has publicly acknowledged the suspension and stated that it will use this period to conduct an internal operational evaluation, aiming to surpass industry benchmarks and restore public confidence. The airline has assured affected passengers that they will receive full refunds or rebooking options with partner airlines and has committed to working closely with aviation authorities to meet all regulatory requirements.
Max Air’s response indicates a commitment to addressing the concerns raised by the NCAA and improving its operational standards. The airline has emphasized its dedication to passenger safety as its highest priority and has framed the suspension as an opportunity to enhance service quality and reliability in the long term. By conducting a thorough internal review and cooperating fully with the NCAA’s audit process, Max Air aims to regain the public’s trust and demonstrate its commitment to maintaining a safe and reliable operation. The collaboration between the NCAA and Max Air during this period will be crucial in determining the airline’s future trajectory and ensuring its adherence to the highest safety protocols.
The suspension of Max Air’s domestic operations and the subsequent audits serve as a crucial step towards ensuring the safety and integrity of Nigeria’s aviation sector. The NCAA’s proactive approach in addressing concerns and holding airlines accountable reinforces its dedication to maintaining high safety standards. While the temporary disruption may cause inconvenience to passengers, the long-term benefits of a thorough safety and economic assessment are essential for safeguarding the lives and well-being of all those who rely on air travel within Nigeria. The outcome of the audits will play a pivotal role in determining Max Air’s ability to resume operations and its commitment to providing safe and reliable air travel services in the future.
