The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has suspended Max Air from domestic flight operations for three months after an incident at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport.
The ban was contained in a statement by the NCAA released on Wednesday.
The ban comes barely 24 hours after Max Air aircraft with registration number 5N-MBD, B733, which took off from Lagos, crash-landedat the Kano airport runway.
The aircraft was carrying 53 passengers and six crew members.
NCAA said it “Refers to the incident involving Max Air B734 aircraft with registration marks 5N-MBD, on landing at Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport, Kano on Tuesday, 28th, January 2025 at about 2251 hours.
“Statutorily, the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has initiated an investigation into the occurrence. The NCAA will provide the required support to the NSIB in this regard. It must be stated that the specific cause(s) of this incident can only be established after the NSIB has conducted its investigation.”
NCAA noted that it had commenced organizational risk profiles for each scheduled operator, including Max Air, which is nearing its conclusion.
NCAA 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. 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 resumption of Max Air’s domestic flight operations will be predicated on the satisfactory completion of this audit.”
The NCAA said it is aware of the inconvenience this action may cause intending passengers of Max Air, adding that “the safety and well-being of passengers is paramount.”
