Barely two months after suspending flight operations due to a tyre burst incident involving one of its aircraft at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport, Kano, Max Air said it is set for the resumption of domestic flight operations next Friday.
Max Air, had in January, suspended its domestic flight operations, following a tyre burst incident involving one of its aircraft in Kano.
In a statement posted on its X handle on Monday, the management of the airline said it would resume flight services on March 21, 2025.
The airline said that its resumption was due to a successful operational evaluation it underwent, adding that this strategic pause allowed it to reinforce its commitment to safety, compliance, and operational excellence.
The statement reads, “During this period, we closely with aviation authorities to ensure that all statutory requirements were met while enhancing our service delivery standards.
“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.”
PUNCH Online recalled that when the airline was suspending operation in January, the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority stated that the airline would not be operating for three months, thereby expecting that Max Air should return to the Nigerian air either end of April or in early May 2025.
The NCAA’s Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Michael Achimugu, in a statement stated that the regulatory body would support the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau’s probe while also conducting its assessment of the airline.
He noted that the NCAA was already carrying out an organizational risk assessment for all scheduled airlines, including Max Air, before the latest incident.
“However, as a result of this incident, Max Air is suspending its domestic flight operations for three months, effective from midnight on 31 January 2025, to allow for an internal review of its operations.
“The safety audit will involve a re-inspection of Max Air’s organisation, procedures, personnel, and aircraft, as specified by the Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations,” Achimugu had said.
He added that the economic audit would assess the airline’s financial health to ensure it can sustain safe flight operations.
It will be recalled that On December 5, 2024, an aircraft belonging to Max Air experienced an engine fire incident shortly after takeoff from the Muhammadu Buhari International Airport in Maiduguri.
At the time, the incident necessitated the aircraft en route to Abuja with nearly 80 passengers, including the Deputy Governor of Borno State, Usman Kadafur, to make an emergency return to the Maiduguri Airport.
Meanwhile, in May 2023, panic also erupted at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja after an aircraft belonging to Max Air had an incident on the airport runway.
Similarly, in July 2023, the NCAA suspended Max Air Boeing 737 ( parts A3 and D43) aircraft from operation over safety concerns.
