Max Air Passengers Escape Disaster as Plane Makes Emergency Landing
Passengers aboard a Max Air flight narrowly avoided disaster after their aircraft, carrying at least 53 people, was forced to make an emergency landing.
The flight, departing from Lagos, reportedly crash-landed at Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport late Tuesday night. The incident occurred at 10:57 p.m. when the aircraft lost its nose landing gear tire upon touchdown. Reports indicate that one of the tires burst and caught fire immediately after landing. Fortunately, no casualties were recorded.
This is not the first time Max Air has faced a similar emergency.
According to records from the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), on May 8, 2023, the airline experienced a similar issue involving a Boeing 737 aircraft carrying 144 passengers and six crew members. The flight, NGL1649, was en route from Yola to Abuja when it lost some tires during landing at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport. The crew managed to bring the aircraft to a safe stop on Runway 22 at 2:57 p.m. local time.
While all passengers and crew were evacuated safely, the incident temporarily shut down Abuja airport, which operates a single runway. A Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) was issued, and relevant aviation agencies—including the NCAA, FAAN, NAMA, and NSIB—worked swiftly to remove the disabled aircraft and resume operations. The closure caused significant disruption, stranding several domestic and international flights and forcing incoming planes to divert to other airports.
On December 5, 2024, Max Air faced yet another emergency landing, this time due to an engine fire.
According to reports, Flight VM1623, with registration number 5N-BBM, suffered an engine fire incident shortly after takeoff from Muhammadu Buhari International Airport in Maiduguri. The airline’s management confirmed the fire outbreak was linked to the emergency landing.
These recurring incidents raise concerns about Max Air’s safety record and operational challenges.
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