NCAA Finally Grants Max Air Approval to Resume Domestic Flights After 90-Day Suspension.
Max Air has been cleared by the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) to resume its domestic flight operations after a voluntary 90-day suspension. The approval takes effect from midnight on March 17, 2025, following a thorough economic and safety audit conducted by the regulatory authority.
The NCAA’s decision was officially announced in a statement signed by Michael Achimugu, Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, on behalf of the Director General of the NCAA on Monday. The aviation body confirmed that Max Air had met all necessary regulatory requirements, allowing it to safely re-enter service.
Max Air’s Suspension and Regulatory Review
Max Air voluntarily suspended its domestic operations for 90 days after multiple flight incidents raised safety concerns. During the suspension period, the NCAA conducted an extensive audit from February 26 to February 28, 2025, evaluating key areas such as:
- Operational structure and compliance
- Aircraft maintenance procedures
- Safety management systems
- Personnel training and competence
After reviewing Max Air’s corrective measures and confirming full compliance with the Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations (NCAR) 2023, the NCAA granted the airline permission to resume domestic operations.
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NCAA’s Statement on Max Air’s Return
According to the official NCAA statement:
“Following the successful completion of an economic and safety audit, the Director-General of the NCAA has approved Max Air to resume its domestic flight operations.”
The statement further reaffirmed the NCAA’s commitment to aviation safety, adding:
“Max Air voluntarily suspended its domestic operations for 90 days after a series of incidents on its flights. This decision, effective from midnight on January 31, 2025, was welcomed by the NCAA.”
Continued Monitoring and Enhanced Surveillance
Although Max Air has been given the green light to restart flights, the NCAA emphasized that the airline would be subjected to enhanced surveillance measures to ensure continued adherence to safety standards. The regulatory body assured travelers that it remains dedicated to upholding the highest levels of safety within Nigeria’s aviation industry.
Background: Max Air’s Recent Flight Incidents
Max Air’s decision to suspend operations was influenced by a series of high-profile flight incidents, raising concerns over the airline’s safety standards.
- January 2025 Incident: A Boeing 737 (5N-MBD) suffered a nose wheel collapse and rear tire burst upon landing at Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport. The aircraft was carrying 53 passengers and six crew members, all of whom escaped unharmed.
- July 21, 2024, Incident: Another Boeing 737 (5N-ADB), operating flight NGL1649, encountered a critical landing gear malfunction at Yola Airport. During takeoff, two rear tires burst, and the remaining two failed when the crew attempted to taxi off the runway, leaving the aircraft immobilized. The flight had 119 passengers and six crew members on board.
- 2023 NSIB Report Findings: In a further blow to its safety record, a 2023 report by the Nigeria Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) found Max Air guilty of overwriting Cockpit Voice Recorder data after a serious landing incident at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport on May 7, 2023.
Max Air’s Return to the Skies
With the NCAA’s latest clearance, Max Air is now set to resume domestic operations across Nigeria, promising improved safety measures and compliance with all aviation regulations. Passengers can expect to see the airline reintroduce its scheduled flights in the coming days.
However, as part of NCAA’s enhanced monitoring plan, Max Air will undergo continuous safety assessments to ensure its operations meet national and international standards.
Would you feel comfortable flying with Max Air after this suspension? Share your thoughts below!
