Max Air has put a hold on its flights for three months after an incident involving one of its planes at Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport in Kano. 

Michael Achimugu, a spokesperson for the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), shared this update in a statement on Wednesday, just hours after the event that took place on Tuesday night. 

The flight, Max Air B734, which had the registration number 5N-MBD, experienced a wheel landing gear failure and a tire blowout while landing at 10:51 pm, causing quite a scare for the passengers. 

Fortunately, all six crew members and the 53 passengers on board came out without any serious injuries. 

The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) reported that the runway has been cleared and flights have resumed at the airport. 

Additionally, the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has started looking into what happened.

“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,” the NCAA stated.

“It is instructive to note that the NCAA had commenced organisational 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.”

The regulatory body announced a comprehensive safety and economic audit of Max Air for the specified period.

“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 is aware of the inconvenience this action may cause intending passengers of Max Air. However; the safety and well-being of passengers is paramount,” the statement concluded.

Wednesday's suspension was not the first instance. The NCAA previously suspended Max Air operations in July 2023 due to similar concerns, but subsequently lifted the sanctions.