NCAA to audit Max Air’s operations, carrier suspends flight operations

The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) is to begin a comprehensive audit of Max Air which B737-400 aircraft was involved in a serious incident at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport (MAKIA) Kano late Tuesday night.

This is coming as the airline announced a three-month suspension of operations in a bid to appraise its entire operations.

NCAA’s Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Mr Michael Achimugu noted that the aviation regulatory body had commenced organizational risk profiles for each scheduled operator, including Max Air, noting however, that due to the recent incident, Max Air had decided to suspend its domestic flight operations to allow for an internal appraisal of its operations.

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He disclosed that the economic audit would critically examine the financial health of the airline to guarantee its capability to sustain safe flight operations, just as the resumption of Max Air’s domestic flight operations would be predicated on the satisfactory completion of this audit.

He explained that during the three-month suspension period which commences on January 1, 2025, the NCAA will conduct a thorough safety and economic audit on Max Air, stressing that the audit would examine the airline’s organization, procedures, personnel, and aircraft.

Achimugu said the decision was made in conjunction with NCAA, stressing that the suspension was a result of an incident involving a Max Air Boeing 737 aircraft with registration marks 5N-MBD, which occurred on January 28, 2025, at Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport.

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He also hinted that the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) had initiated an investigation into the incident, assuring that the NCAA would provide the necessary support to the NSIB during the investigation.

The Director also pointed out that the Authority was committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of passengers.

The NCAA acknowledged that the suspension might cause inconvenience to intending passengers of Max Air, however, the authority emphasized that the safety and well-being of passengers is paramount.

Achimugu appealed for patience and understanding from the public while the NCAA ensures the protection of passenger rights, assuring that the NCAA is committed to ensuring that all airlines operating in Nigeria adhere to strict safety standards. 

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Wole Shadare

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