Passengers and crew aboard a Max Air flight had a harrowing experience on Sunday evening when their aircraft lost six tyres while attempting to depart from Yola Airport in Adamawa State. The Boeing 737, carrying 119 passengers and six crew members, was bound for Abuja when the incident occurred.
As the plane initiated its takeoff roll, a loud bang was heard, which was later identified as the bursting of two rear gear tyres. Despite efforts to taxi off the runway, the remaining four tyres also burst, leaving the aircraft immobilized. The Director of Public and Consumer Protection at Max Air, Bimbo Oladeji, confirmed that no injuries were reported among those on board.
Emergency services at the airport responded promptly, ensuring the safe evacuation of all passengers and crew. The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) stated that the incident led to a temporary shutdown of Abuja’s Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, causing delays and diversions for several other flights. The runway was later inspected and cleared of debris before flight operations resumed around 8:00 p.m.
The NCAA and the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) have launched an investigation into the incident. Captain Alex Badeh Jr., Director General of the NSIB, is leading a team to the site to determine the cause of the tyre bursts and to ensure that such incidents are prevented in the future.
Max Air has assured passengers and the public of their commitment to safety, emphasizing that all necessary measures will be taken to maintain high safety standards. The incident, although alarming, demonstrated the effectiveness of the emergency protocols in place.
This event follows other recent safety concerns in Nigeria’s aviation sector, highlighting the ongoing need for rigorous maintenance and safety checks to prevent similar occurrences. The aviation authorities are urging media and the public to rely on verified information to avoid unnecessary panic.
