The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has suspended Max Air’s domestic operations for three months following an emergency landing involving one of its Boeing 737-400 aircraft (registration 5N-MBD) at Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport, Kano, on Tuesday, 28th January 2025.

The NCAA stated that the suspension, effective from midnight on 31st January 2025, would allow the airline to conduct an internal review of its operations while the regulator carries out a comprehensive safety and financial audit.

The Director of Consumer Protection and Public Affairs at the NCAA, Michael Achimugu, confirmed that the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) had already launched an investigation into the incident.

“The specific cause(s) of this incident will only be determined after the NSIB completes its investigation. However, as part of our ongoing risk assessment programme, Max Air was already undergoing a regulatory review,” Achimugu said.

During the suspension, the NCAA will conduct a thorough inspection of Max Air’s organisational structure, operational procedures, personnel, and fleet, in line with Part 1.3.3.3(b) of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations. An economic audit will also be conducted to assess the airline’s financial health and ability to sustain safe operations.

“The resumption of Max Air’s domestic flights will depend on the satisfactory completion of this audit,” Achimugu added. “We understand this may inconvenience passengers, but ensuring safety is our priority.”

The emergency landing involved 59 passengers and six crew members. According to an anonymous passenger, a front tyre of the aircraft burst into flames upon landing, filling the cabin with smoke. Passengers were evacuated via the emergency exit as fire services swiftly contained the blaze.

Max Air’s Kano Station Manager, Bello Ramalan, apologised for the incident, assuring that the airline prioritised passenger safety and would cooperate with authorities to determine the cause and implement corrective measures.

Normalcy has since returned to the airport, with operations resuming after the runway was cleared and reopened at 8:00 AM the following day.