Max Air to suspend domestic flight operations for three months

The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has announced that Max Air will suspend its domestic flight operations for three months.

In a statement on Wednesday, Michael Achimugu, NCAA’s director of consumer protection and public affairs, said the suspension will take effect from midnight, January 31, 2025, to allow for an internal appraisal of its operations by its management.

Earlier, TheCable reported that the aircraft lost its landing gear tyre during landing, leading to the incident.

Providing an update in a statement on Wednesday, Max Air assured the public that the situation was professionally managed, with all passengers and crew safely evacuated, adding that there were no injuries.

Achimugu confirmed that the Nigeria Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has already launched an investigation into the incident, noting that the specific cause of the occurrence can only be determined after the investigation is completed.

“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,” Achimugu said.

“However, 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.”

According to the director, the safety audit will involve a reassessment of Max Air’s organisational structure, operational procedures, personnel, and aircraft, in line with Part 1.3.3.3(b) of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations.

He added that the economic audit will focus on evaluating the airline’s financial health to ensure its ability to maintain safe flight operations.

“The resumption of Max Air’s domestic flight operations will be predicated on the satisfactory completion of this audit,” he said.

Achimugu acknowledged the potential inconvenience to passengers but stressed that safety remains the top priority.