Max Air has stated that its Flight VM1623, registered 5N-BBM, returned to Maiduguri International Airport after an engine abnormality was detected during takeoff.
On Wednesday, December 4, 2024, the aircraft, which was en route to Abuja, reportedly experienced engine failure due to a bird strike approximately 10 minutes after takeoff.
It was also reported that Borno State Deputy Governor, Alhaji Umar Kadafur, along with over 100 passengers, were on board the flight.
In a statement released on Thursday, the airline confirmed that all passengers and crew were unharmed.
The airline explained that the captain promptly initiated an air return upon noticing irregular engine parameters.
Max Air apologized for any inconvenience caused and thanked passengers for their patience and understanding.
The statement reads: “Following Standard Operational Procedures, the affected engine was shut down as a precaution, allowing the aircraft to make a safe landing back at the airport.
“In a swift response to minimise disruptions, MaxAir dispatched a rescue aircraft to Maiduguri, ensuring that passengers reached their destinations with minimal delay.
“MaxAir is committed to the safety and comfort of our passengers. We are working closely with aviation authorities to investigate the cause of the engine abnormality and ensure such occurrences are mitigated in the future. As a leading airline in Nigeria, we remain committed to upholding the highest safety and operational standards, ensuring the trust and confidence of our valued passengers.”