The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority, NCAA, says Max Air will suspend its domestic flight operations for three months.
This was contained in a statement by the agency’s Director of Consumer Protection and Public Affairs, Michael Achimugu, on Wednesday.
Achimugu said the suspension will take effect from midnight, January 31, 2025, to allow for an internal appraisal of the airline’s operations by its management.
Media Talk Africa had reported that a Max Air aircraft lost its landing gear tyre during landing, leading to an incident on Wednesday.
While giving 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.
“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,” Achimugu said.
According to him, 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 reiterated that the economic audit will focus on evaluating the airline’s financial health to ensure its ability to maintain safe flight operations.
The director also acknowledged the potential inconvenience to passengers but stressed that safety remains the top priority.
