The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), yesterday, slammed a three-month suspension on Max Air over the crash-landing incident involving its B734 aircraft, marked 5N-MBD, at Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport, Kano on Tuesday night.
The Boeing 734 series, which departed Lagos for Kano through Abuja on Tuesday crash-landed at Kano airport after overshooting the runway, forcing about 59 passengers and crew members to disembark through the emergency exit.
In a statement issued by the Director of Consumer Protection and Public Affairs, Michael Achimugu, the regulator said the suspension of the airline’s domestic flights with effect from midnight of January 31, would allow for an internal appraisal of its operations by the management.
Besides, Achimugu said the NCAA had commenced organisational risk profiles for each scheduled operator. The statement reads in part: “During these three months, the NCAA will conduct a thorough safety and economic audit on Max Air. The safety audit will entail a re-inspection of Max Air’s organisation, 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, organisational risk profiles for each scheduled operator, including Max Air, is nearing conclusion.
“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 are paramount. Thus, the NCAA appeals for patience and understanding while it ensures the protection of passenger rights.”
NCAA noted that by statutory mandate, the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has initiated a probe into the occurrence. Achimugu added that the NCAA would provide the needed support to the NSIB in this regard.
He, therefore, cautioned that only the statutory body entrusted with a specific mandate is required to disclose the specific cause(s) of the incident after a thorough investigation.
