Max Air is set to resume domestic flight operations following approval from the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), ending a 90-day suspension imposed over safety concerns.
In a statement released on Monday, NCAA’s Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Michael Achimugu, confirmed that the airline successfully completed an economic and safety audit, paving the way for its return.
“Following the successful completion of an economic and safety audit, the Director-General of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority has approved Max Air’s resumption of domestic flight operations,” the statement read.
Max Air halted its domestic services in January 2025 after a series of safety-related incidents prompted regulatory scrutiny. During the suspension period, the NCAA conducted a comprehensive audit of the airline’s operations, including its procedures, personnel, and aircraft, in line with the Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations 2023.
“The safety audit, conducted from February 26 to 28, confirmed Max Air’s capacity to maintain safe flight operations,” the statement noted.
The airline will officially resume domestic flights at midnight on March 17, 2025. However, the NCAA emphasized that Max Air will remain under close monitoring through an enhanced surveillance program to ensure continued compliance with aviation safety standards.
In a separate statement, Max Air’s management described the temporary suspension as a “strategic pause” that allowed the airline to strengthen its commitment to safety, compliance, and operational excellence.
“During this period, we worked closely with aviation authorities to meet all statutory requirements while enhancing our service delivery standards,” the airline stated.
Passengers with previously booked flights affected by the suspension will be prioritized for rebooking.
The NCAA reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that all airlines operate at the highest safety standards, guaranteeing the well-being of Nigeria’s aviation industry.
