Max Air is set to resume domestic flight operations across Nigeria after receiving clearance from the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA). The approval, effective from midnight on March 17, 2025, follows a comprehensive safety and economic audit conducted by the regulatory body.
The announcement was made in a statement signed by Michael Achimugu, Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, on behalf of the NCAA’s Director General. The statement confirmed that Max Air had met all regulatory requirements after voluntarily suspending its domestic operations for 90 days earlier this year.
The airline’s suspension came after a series of safety-related incidents raised concerns about its operational standards. Among these was a January 2025 incident at Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport, where a Boeing 737 (5N-MBD) experienced a nose wheel collapse and rear tire burst during landing. Fortunately, all 53 passengers and six crew members onboard were unharmed.
Another notable incident occurred in July 2024 at Yola Airport when another Boeing 737 (5N-ADB) suffered multiple tire bursts during takeoff, leaving the aircraft immobilized. In addition, a 2023 report by the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) found Max Air guilty of overwriting critical cockpit voice recorder data following a serious landing incident at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja.
During the suspension period, the NCAA conducted an extensive review of Max Air’s operations between February 26 and 28, 2025. The audit assessed the airline’s structure, personnel, maintenance practices, and overall compliance with the Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations (NCAR) 2023. After confirming that Max Air had addressed all safety concerns, the NCAA granted approval for its return to service.
“The Director-General of the NCAA has approved Max Air to resume its domestic flight operations following the successful completion of an economic and safety audit,” the statement read.
While granting clearance, the NCAA emphasized that it would closely monitor Max Air through an enhanced surveillance program to ensure continued compliance with safety regulations. The agency reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining high safety standards across Nigeria’s aviation sector.
Max Air has yet to release an official statement regarding its resumption plans or updated flight schedules. However, passengers can expect operations to restart across key domestic routes in the coming days.
