Operations at Malam Aminu Kano International Airport were temporarily halted after a Max Air plane suffered a tyre burst while landing on Tuesday night, leading to flight disruptions.
Fortunately, all 53 passengers and crew members aboard Flight VM1605 (5N-MBD) were safely evacuated without injuries, as confirmed by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA).
Runway Closure & Inspection
Following the incident, the airport’s runway was shut down for inspection and clearance, causing potential delays for flights scheduled for Wednesday, January 29, 2024.
Max Air, in an official statement on X (formerly Twitter), reassured passengers of their safety, stating:
“Our crew handled the situation professionally, ensuring the safe evacuation of all passengers and crew members. There were no injuries, and the aircraft has since been removed from the runway as of 04:28.”
The airline praised its engineering team for their swift response and assured travelers that updates on flight schedules would be provided as soon as possible.
Official Investigations Underway
The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has taken charge of the investigation to determine the cause of the tyre burst, with initial reports suggesting it may have involved the nose landing gear tyre.
The NCAA confirmed that the aircraft had been moved from the runway to Taxiway B, allowing for a thorough runway inspection before operations resume.
Passengers Advised to Expect Delays
Max Air acknowledged the inconvenience caused by the disruption and apologized to affected travelers, urging them to remain patient as authorities work to reopen the runway.
“We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience caused and appreciate your patience as we await further updates on the runway reopening,” the airline stated.
With investigations ongoing and safety checks in progress, passengers traveling through Kano are advised to stay updated on flight schedules.
