Max Air to Resume Flights After Safety Audit and Operational Upgrades
Max Air, one of Nigeria’s prominent airlines, is set to return to the skies on March 21, 2025, following a two-month suspension of operations. This comes after a tyre burst incident at Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport (MAKIA), Kano, involving one of its Boeing 737-400 aircraft in January. The suspension had initially been slated for three months, but the airline has announced an earlier resumption due to a successful operational evaluation.
The airline’s management stated that the temporary halt in operations allowed Max Air to focus on reinforcing its commitment to safety, compliance, and operational excellence. During this period, the airline worked closely with the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and other aviation bodies to meet all statutory requirements while enhancing its service standards. Passengers can now expect improved travel experiences, increased efficiency, and the signature hospitality the airline is known for.
The incident that prompted the suspension occurred on January 28, 2025, when a Boeing 737-400 aircraft, registered as 5N-MBD, experienced a tyre burst during landing at MAKIA. The flight, which carried 53 passengers, landed safely, and all passengers were evacuated without injury. However, the aircraft was temporarily grounded, and the runway was closed until it was reopened the next day by the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN).
Following the incident, the NCAA launched a comprehensive safety and economic audit of Max Air. This included a detailed re-inspection of its operations, procedures, personnel, and aircraft to ensure compliance with the Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations. The regulatory body also partnered with the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) to probe the incident further. According to Mr. Michael Achimugu, NCAA’s Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, the audit aimed to identify and address any potential risks within the airline’s operations.
In addition to the safety evaluation, the NCAA conducted an economic audit to assess Max Air’s financial health. This analysis was intended to ensure the airline could maintain safe and sustainable flight operations in the future. The NCAA’s broader organisational risk assessment for all Nigerian airlines was already underway before the incident, but the tyre burst prompted a more intensive review for Max Air.
Max Air’s decision to resume operations earlier than initially planned reflects the successful implementation of these safety measures. The airline emphasized that this strategic pause in operations was necessary to enhance its service delivery and operational standards. “During this period, we worked closely with aviation authorities to ensure that all statutory requirements were met,” the airline said in a statement. “As we return to the skies, passengers can expect improved travel experiences, increased efficiency, and the unwavering hospitality that Max Air is known for. We sincerely appreciate the patience and support of our valued customers during the temporary suspension.”
The airline’s resumption is welcome news for Nigeria’s travel sector, which relies heavily on carriers like Max Air to connect passengers across the country and beyond. Travel agents in Africa can now look forward to offering Max Air’s services once again, particularly as the airline has assured that safety and customer satisfaction remain its top priorities. This resumption also signals a broader commitment within the Nigerian aviation industry to uphold high standards of safety and compliance.
With its focus on safety enhancements and operational improvements, Max Air’s return to service is poised to strengthen confidence among travelers and stakeholders alike. The airline’s proactive measures and collaboration with regulatory authorities highlight the importance of prioritizing safety while maintaining efficiency in Africa’s growing aviation sector.
