Breaking News: FG Suspends Max Air Operations for 3 Months
The Federal Government has suspended the operations of Max Air for three months, effective midnight, January 31st, 2025. This decision comes after a tyre burst incident involving one of the airline’s aircraft, registration number 5N-MBD, at Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport on Tuesday, January 28th, 2025.
According to Michael Achimugu, Director of Consumer Protection and Public Affairs at the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), the suspension is a precautionary measure to ensure the safety of passengers. The NCAA has also initiated an investigation into the incident, which will be conducted by the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB).
During the three-month suspension, the NCAA will conduct a thorough safety and economic audit of Max Air. The audit will re-inspect the airline’s organization, procedures, personnel, and aircraft to ensure compliance with the Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations.
Notably, this incident marks the third occurrence involving a Max Air plane within a three-month period. Fortunately, the 53 passengers on board were evacuated safely, but the aircraft was temporarily grounded before the runway was reopened by the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) on Wednesday, January 29th, 2025.
The resumption of Max Air’s domestic flight operations will depend on the satisfactory completion of the audit. The NCAA’s decision aims to guarantee the airline’s capability to sustain safe flight operations.
By Omolola Dare
GMN Correspondent, Oyo State
Responses