Reasons Why NCAA Suspended Max Air Operations
The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has suspended the operations of Max Air to conduct safety and economic audits on the airline.
Max Air, before the last Kano incident where its tyre burst upon landing at the Aminu Kano International Airport, Kano, on Tuesday, had been involved in other incidents.
However, due to these recurrent issues, the NCAA decided to suspend the airline’s operations to determine its airworthiness.
According to the director of Consumer Protection and Public Affairs, NCAA, Micheal Achimugu, the suspension will be for 3 months with effect from midnight, 31st January 2025, to allow for an internal appraisal of its operations by its management.
He stated further that during the 3 months suspension, 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, he added.
“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 organisational risk profiles for each scheduled operator, including Max Air, which is nearing its conclusion.
“The NCAA is aware of the inconvenience this action may cause intending passengers of Max Air. However; the safety and well-being of passengers is paramount. Thus, NCAA appeals for patience and understanding while it ensures the protection of passenger rights,” Achimugu added.
Meanwhile, announcing the launch of an investigation into the incident, the NSIB said the aircraft tyre burst at approximately 10:48 PM local time on Tuesday, January 28, 2025, at Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport, Kano.
“The aircraft, flying from Lagos to Kano with 53 passengers and six crew members onboard, landed on runway 06. 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 remains committed to upholding the highest aviation safety standards and providing recommendations to prevent future occurrences. As the investigation progresses, further updates will be provided,” NSIB stated.
According to the director of Consumer Protection and Public Affairs, NCAA, Micheal Achimugu, the suspension will be for 3 months with effect from midnight, 31st January 2025, to allow for an internal appraisal of its operations by its management.
He stated further that during the 3 months suspension, 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, he added.
“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 organisational risk profiles for each scheduled operator, including Max Air, which is nearing its conclusion.
“The NCAA is aware of the inconvenience this action may cause intending passengers of Max Air. However; the safety and well-being of passengers is paramount. Thus, NCAA appeals for patience and understanding while it ensures the protection of passenger rights,” Achimugu added.
Meanwhile, announcing the launch of an investigation into the incident, the NSIB said the aircraft tyre burst at approximately 10:48 PM local time on Tuesday, January 28, 2025, at Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport, Kano.
“The aircraft, flying from Lagos to Kano with 53 passengers and six crew members onboard, landed on runway 06. 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 remains committed to upholding the highest aviation safety standards and providing recommendations to prevent future occurrences. As the investigation progresses, further updates will be provided,” NSIB stated.
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