•to critically audit financial health of the airline
•as NSIB launches investigations into incident
Following the tyre burst incident involving a Boeing 737 aircraft belonging to Max Air on Tuesday night at the Malam Amin Kano International Airport, the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has announced the suspension of the airline’s operations for three months.
This is just as the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau ((NSIB) has commenced investigations into the incident to unravel what caused the tyre burst.
According to the bureau, the NSIB has already deployed its GoTeam to the site of the incident.
The team’s investigation according to the image maker of the Bureau, Mrs Bimbo Olawunmi Oladeji will focus on recommendations to prevent future occurrences.
Also, a statement issued by the director of public affairs and consumer protection in NCAA, Mr Michael Achimugu, declared that the three-month suspension of operations by the airline is to allow for an internal appraisal of the airline’s operations by its management.
Achimugu declared “As a result of this incident, Max Air is suspending its domestic flight operations for a period of three months with effect from midnight, 31st January 2025, to allow for an internal appraisal of its operations by its management.
“During this 3-month period, 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 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, the NCAA appeals for patience and understanding while it ensures the protection of passenger rights.”
The Max Air aircraft with registration marks 5N-MBD suffered the incident on landing at Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport, Kano on Tuesday, 28th, January 2025 at about 2251 hours.
According to Achimugu, “Statutorily, the 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.”
While the NSIB pledged commitment to upholding the highest aviation safety standards, it confirmed that: “The incident occurred at approximately 10:48 PM local time on Tuesday, January 28, 2025. The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has launched an investigation into the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport, Kano.
“The incident involving a Boeing 737-400 aircraft with registration 5N-MBD, operated by Max Air landed on runway 06. During the deceleration phase, while still under 60 knots. The flight crew promptly regained control and safely brought the aircraft to a stop.”
NSIB confirmed that 53 passengers and six crew members were onboard the aircraft.
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