Max Air, which was headed for Abuja, had to make an emergency landing back at Muhammadu Buhari International Airport in Maiduguri on Wednesday. This decision came after the aircraft suffered engine damage, likely due to a bird strike, as reported by officials. Among the more than 100 passengers aboard was Borno State Deputy Governor, Alhaji Umar Usman Kadafur, who fortunately escaped unharmed during the incident.
According to Daily Trust, the emergency occurred just 10 minutes after the plane had taken off from the airport. The swift response and landing were crucial in ensuring the safety of all passengers on board.
An unnamed airline representative indicated that another plane was dispatched from Lagos to transfer the passengers to Abuja after the emergency landing. This quick action helped minimize the disruption caused by the incident.
In light of the situation, concerns were raised regarding the lack of standards in project execution, a sentiment echoed by Adebayo. This incident highlights ongoing issues within the aviation sector that require attention and improvement.
During the festive season, the NCAA has introduced 10 new aircraft to enhance operational capabilities. This move aims to improve the overall efficiency and safety of air travel during a busy time for airlines.
The representative further explained that approximately 10 minutes post-takeoff, the aircraft collided with a bird, leading to severe damage to one of its engines. Engineers from Kano have been deployed to address the situation and assess the aircraft’s condition.
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When contacted for further information, Mr. Musa Bawuro, the Manager of Max Air in Maiduguri, acknowledged awareness of the incident. However, he refrained from commenting further until he could gather additional details from the flight captain.
“Please allow me some time to find out from the captain,” he stated, emphasizing the importance of obtaining accurate information before making any public statements about the incident.
