The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has taken decisive action by suspending the operations of all Boeing B737 aircraft belonging to domestic carrier Max Air. The immediate suspension comes as a result of a series of safety incidents involving the airline’s fleet, as detailed in a letter sent by the regulator to Max Air.

The letter, titled “Suspension of Parts A3 and D43 of the Operations Specifications Issued to Max Air with Immediate Effect” and bearing reference number NCAA/DG/AIR/11/16/363, was signed by Capt. Ibrahim Bello Dambazau, the Director of Operations, Training, and Licensing at NCAA, on behalf of Capt. Musa Nuhu, the Director General. Dated July 12, 2023, the letter effectively halts all domestic flights operated by Max Air until the suspension is lifted.

The suspension was prompted by a string of incidents involving Max Air’s Boeing B737 aircraft. One such occurrence involved the loss of the Number 1 Main Landing Gear (MLG) wheel during a serious incident with a Boeing 737-400 aircraft, registered as 5N-MBD. This incident transpired between take-off at Yola Airport in Adamawa State and landing at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja on May 7, 2023.

Another incident entailed fuel contamination of the main fuel tanks of a B737-300 aircraft with registration marks 5N-MHM. The contamination led to the shutdown of the Auxiliary Power Unit (APU) while the aircraft was grounded at Yola Airport on July 7, 2023.

Additionally, Max Air faced an aborted take-off of a Boeing 737-400 aircraft, registered as 5N-MBD, at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport (MAKIA) due to high Exhaust Gas Temperature (EGT) indication on July 11, 2023.

Lastly, an air return was made by another B737-300 aircraft bearing registration marks 5N-MHM to Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (NAIA) on July 11, 2023, due to a duct overheat indication in the cockpit.

In response to these safety incidents, the NCAA has assembled a team of inspectors who will conduct an audit of Max Air’s organization. The satisfactory outcome of this audit is a prerequisite set by the authority before considering the restoration of operational privileges for Max Air’s aircraft of the affected type.

The NCAA’s swift action underscores its commitment to ensuring the safety and security of air travel within Nigeria. By suspending Max Air’s Boeing B737 operations, the regulatory body aims to address the identified safety concerns and mitigate potential risks, prioritizing the well-being of passengers and crew members.