On Tuesday night, January 28, 2025, a Max Air flight narrowly escaped a catastrophic incident when its front tyre burst upon landing at Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport (MAKIA). The aircraft, identified by its registration number 5N-MBD, a Boeing 737-300, was carrying 53 passengers and six crew members from Lagos when the event unfolded at approximately 10:19 p.m.
Details of the Incident
The flight VM1605, had just touched down when the front tyre burst into flames, filling the cabin with smoke. This sudden and alarming situation prompted an immediate evacuation through the emergency exit. Passenger Aliyu Inuwa Mansir shared his harrowing experience, noting that the cabin filled with smoke and the aircraft shook violently upon landing. Despite the chaos, firefighters were quick to respond, dousing the flames as passengers made their way out to safety.
Safety Measures and Response
Malam Bello Ramalan, the Kano Station Manager for Max Air, confirmed that all individuals on board were safely evacuated without any reported injuries. The swift action of the emergency response teams, including the airport’s fire services, was pivotal in ensuring the safety of all passengers and crew.
Following the incident, the runway was temporarily closed to allow for inspections by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and to facilitate the removal of the aircraft. Operations at the airport resumed after the plane was cleared from the runway, though some flight disruptions were anticipated due to the necessary runway checks.
Previous Incidents and Safety Concerns:
This event marks another in a series of tyre-related incidents involving Max Air aircraft. Previously, in May 2023, the same aircraft (5N-MBD) experienced multiple tyre bursts upon landing at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja. Another incident occurred in July 2024 at Yola Airport where a different Max Air Boeing 737 suffered a tyre burst during takeoff. These recurring issues have raised concerns regarding the maintenance and safety standards of Max Air’s fleet.
Investigation and Future Implications
Max Air, in collaboration with the Accident Investigation Bureau (AIB) and the Aircraft and Equipment Department (AED), is investigating to ascertain the exact cause of the tyre burst. The findings from this inquiry could have significant implications for the airline’s safety protocols, maintenance practices, and potentially, its operational license status.
The NCAA has historically responded to such incidents with audits and reviews, and it is expected that a similar response will follow this latest event. The focus will likely be on ensuring that all safety violations noted in previous audits have been addressed and that new measures are implemented to prevent future occurrences.
Public Reaction and Airline’s Response
Posts on social media platforms like X have highlighted the incident, with many users expressing relief over the absence of casualties but also raising concerns about the airline’s safety record. Max Air has issued an apology for the inconvenience caused to passengers and is working closely with aviation authorities to restore confidence in its operations.
While the immediate danger was averted with no injuries, this incident underscores the critical importance of rigorous maintenance and safety checks in aviation. As investigations proceed, Max Air must address these safety concerns to reassure passengers and maintain its standing in Nigeria’s aviation sector.
This article has been compiled from various reports and statements from those involved in the incident, ensuring a comprehensive overview of the event and its implications.
