By By Elizabeth Ugbo
A Max Air aircraft travelling from Abuja to Katsina made an emergency return to the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport on Monday after pilots detected an engine anomaly about 15 minutes after takeoff. The affected Boeing 737-300, identified as flight VM1620, reportedly lost altitude mid-air, causing panic among passengers before the crew regained control and landed safely in Abuja. No injuries were recorded, and all passengers disembarked without incident.
Passengers Describe Frightening Mid-Air Experience
One passenger described the incident as terrifying. According to her, the technical issue started about 10 minutes after departure from Abuja.
“We are currently at the airport following a distressing incident involving a Max Air flight from Abuja to Katsina,” she said.
She added that the aircraft suddenly lost altitude, making passengers fear for their safety. However, the pilots regained control and immediately returned to Abuja.
Videos shared on X showed stranded passengers gathered on the tarmac while awaiting further instructions from the airline.
Max Air Explains Cause of Emergency Return
In a statement issued on Tuesday, Max Air confirmed that the incident involved aircraft 5N-DAB, a Boeing 737-300 operating the Abuja-Katsina route.
The airline stated that the pilots followed aviation safety procedures after noticing signs of an engine anomaly shortly after takeoff.
According to the airline:
“In keeping with our standard operating procedures and the highest principles of aviation safety, the Crew decided to return the aircraft to Abuja immediately.”
The airline confirmed that the aircraft landed safely and passengers exited without injuries.
Airline Deploys Replacement Aircraft
Following the incident, Max Air deployed another aircraft, 5N-DMK, from Kano to continue the Abuja-Katsina route and other scheduled services.
The airline also revealed that its engineering and technical teams had started a detailed assessment of the aircraft in line with regulatory requirements.
Furthermore, Max Air said it remains in contact with the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority and will cooperate fully with any investigation or review process.
Prominent Individuals Reportedly Onboard
The passenger disclosed that several notable individuals were onboard the flight. They included Abba, son of Dahiru Mangal, the Senior Special Assistant on Digital Media to the Katsina State Governor, and other government officials.
Passengers reportedly waited for hours while the airline decided whether to repair the aircraft or provide an alternative plane.
Previous Max Air Incident Raises Concerns
The latest emergency comes months after another Max Air aircraft experienced a crash-landing at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport in January 2025.
The aircraft, which arrived from Lagos, reportedly lost one of its landing gear tyres during landing.
The repeated incidents have raised fresh concerns about aviation safety and aircraft maintenance in Nigeria’s aviation sector.
