NCAA clears Max Air to resume domestic flight operations

The Director-General, Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Capt. Chris Najomo has approved the resumption of domestic flight operations of Max Air following the successful completion of an economic and safety audit.

Max Air voluntarily suspended its domestic operations for 90 days after a series of incidents on its flights.

The decision took effect from midnight on January 31, 2025.

The NCAA, in a statement on Monday night by the Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Michael Achimugu, on behalf of the DG of the NCAA.

It stated that during the suspension period, the Authority conducted a thorough safety and economic audit of the airline.

According to the statement, the safety audit involved a comprehensive re-inspection of Max Air’s organization, procedures, personnel, and aircraft, in line with the Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations 2023.

The NCAA stated that the audit took place from 26th to 28th February 2025.

“Given the results of the audit, which confirm Max Air’s capacity to sustain safe flight operations, the airline will resume domestic flights, effective from midnight on March 17, 2025.

“The NCAA will continue to monitor Max Air closely through an enhanced surveillance programme to ensure strict compliance with its regulations,” it said.

The Authority stated that it remains committed to ensuring that all airlines adhere to the highest safety standards for the continued well-being of the aviation industry.

Diaspora Digital Media had reported in January 2025 that Max Air crash landed in Kano.

The incident occurred  at Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport on Tuesday night, January 28, 2025, after one of its tyres burst into flames during landing.

According to eyewitnesses, the plane, which was coming from Lagos, lost its nose landing gear tyre during landing, causing the plane to skid to a halt on the runway.

One of the passengers, who wished to remain anonymous, recounted the harrowing experience, saying, “Immediately after touchdown, the tyre burst and caught fire. The aircraft then skidded to a halt on the runway.”

Fortunately, no casualties were reported, and all passengers and crew were safely evacuated from the plane.

Max Air also issued a statement, apologizing for the incident and assuring that it will cooperate fully with the investigation.