The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has announced three months suspension of Max Air operations with effect from midnight, 31st January, 2025, to allow for an internal appraisal of its operations by its management.
The suspension is due to the incident involving Max Air B734 aircraft with registration marks 5N-MBD on landing at Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport, Kano on Tuesday, 28th, January 2025 at about 2251 hours.
In a statement on Wednesday,Director, Consumer Protection and Public Affairs of NCAA, Mr Michael Achimugu, explained that during this 3-month period, the NCAA will conduct a thorough safety and economic audit on Max Air.
He said 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.
He said the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has initiated investigation into the occurrence, assuring that NCAA will provide assistance to the NSIB in it’s investigation.
“However, as a result of this incident, Max Air is suspending its domestic flight operations for a period of three. 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 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 thes airline to guarantee its capability to sustain safe flight operations”
The statement said that while 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.
“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, NCAA appeals for patience and understanding while it ensures the protection of passenger rights,” he stated.
