The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has announced that as a result of the incident involving Max Air B734 aircraft with registration marks 5N-MBD, which crash-landed at Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport, Kano on Tuesday, 28th, January 2025 at about 2251 hours, the airline will suspend 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.
The NCAA Director, Consumer Protection and Public Affairs, Micheal Achimugu who disclosed this in a press statement said statutorily, the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has initiated investigation into the occurrence.
According to him, the NCAA will provide the required support to the NSIB as the Authority has commenced organizational risk profiles for each scheduled operator, including Max Air, which is nearing its conclusion.
Achimugu noted that during the 3-month period, the NCAA will conduct a thorough safety and economic audit on Max Air and 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 NCAA spokesperson said resumption of Max Air’s domestic flight operations will be predicated on the satisfactory completion of this audit.
“It must be stated that the specific cause(s) of this incident can only be established after the NSIB has conducted its investigation.
“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.
“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 right”, he wrote.
