Max Air Limited today announced the suspension of its domestic flight operations for a period of three months, effective January 31, 2025.
A statement earlier today by Michael Achimugu, the Director of Consumer Protection and Public Affairs, Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), said this decision was made in conjunction with NCAA.
Achimugu said that the suspension was a result of an incident involving a Max Air Boeing 737 aircraft with registration marks 5N-MBD, which occurred on January 28, 2025, at Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport.
He also hinted that the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) had initiated an investigation into the incident, assuring that the NCAA would provide the necessary support to the NSIB during the investigation. The Director also pointed out that the Authority was committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of passengers.
Achimugu said that the NCAA had commenced organizational risk profiles for each scheduled operator, including Max Air, noting however, that due to the recent incident, Max Air had decided to suspend its domestic flight operations to allow for an internal appraisal of its operations.
During the three-month suspension period, according to the statement, the NCAA will conduct a thorough safety and economic audit on Max Air, stressing that the audit would examine the airline’s organization, procedures, personnel, and aircraft.
The statement also revealed that the economic audit would critically examine the financial health of the airline to guarantee its capability to sustain safe flight operations, just as the resumption of Max Air’s domestic flight operations would be predicated on the satisfactory completion of this audit.
The NCAA acknowledged that the suspension might cause inconvenience to intending passengers of Max Air, however, the Authority emphasized that the safety and well-being of passengers is paramount.
Achimugu appealed for patience and understanding from the public while the NCAA ensures the protection of passenger rights, assuring that the Authority is committed to ensuring that all airlines operating in Nigeria adhere to strict safety standards.
