The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has handed a three-month suspension to Max Air, one of the country’s prominent local airlines, following an incident involving its Boeing 737 aircraft on January 28, 2025.
The aircraft, registered with the call sign 5N-MBD, experienced significant landing issues upon arrival at Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport around midnight.
The NCAA’s decision to suspend the airline comes after the aircraft’s landing difficulties raised concerns about passenger safety and airline operations.
Although the precise cause of the problem has yet to be determined, NCAA Director of Consumer Protection and Public Affairs, Michael Achimugu, confirmed that the authority is actively working with the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB), which has launched a full investigation into the matter.
Achimugu’s statement emphasized that the specific cause of the incident would only be revealed once the NSIB concludes its investigation.
He further noted that the NCAA would be providing full support to the NSIB throughout the process to ensure a thorough and transparent examination of the events leading to the incident.
“Max Air is one of Nigeria’s leading local carriers, and while the incident has raised serious concerns, it is essential that the investigation process is allowed to proceed before conclusions are drawn,” Achimugu explained in his statement.
The airline, which operates numerous domestic flights across Nigeria, has yet to release a statement acknowledging the suspension or commenting on the specific details of the incident.
Passengers who were on the flight have been assured that their safety was never in immediate jeopardy, but the situation remains under scrutiny by both aviation authorities and the public.
The suspension of Max Air by the NCAA is seen as a precautionary measure, highlighting the regulatory body’s commitment to maintaining aviation safety standards in Nigeria.
The decision also underscores the importance of ensuring that all airline operations adhere to the strict safety protocols established by the NCAA and other relevant authorities.
The investigation by the NSIB is expected to focus on whether mechanical failure, human error, or environmental factors played a role in the landing issues.
A detailed report on the findings will be made public once the investigation is concluded, offering insights into the potential causes of the incident and any necessary actions that may be required.
The suspension of Max Air will likely have significant implications for the airline’s operations, as it will not be allowed to operate commercial flights within Nigeria during the period of the suspension.
This action is part of a broader effort by the NCAA to hold airlines accountable for safety lapses and to protect the safety of passengers across the country.
As the investigation continues, both the public and the aviation industry are awaiting further updates on the situation, which is expected to have far-reaching effects on aviation policies and the operations of local carriers in Nigeria.
