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Max Air confirms engine-related anomaly after Abuja–Katsina flight returns mid-air
Max Air has confirmed that one of its Abuja–Katsina flights made an air return to Abuja on Monday after the crew detected what the airline described as an engine-related anomaly shortly after takeoff.
The development followed multiple passenger accounts shared on social media describing moments of panic onboard the aircraft after loud banging sounds were reportedly heard during the flight.
In a statement issued after the incident, the airline said Flight VM1620, operated with aircraft registration 5N-DAB, departed the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, on Monday before the crew observed an indication suggesting an engine malfunction about 15 minutes into the journey.
According to the airline, the pilots immediately initiated a return to Abuja in line with standard aviation safety procedures.
“The aircraft landed safely and all passengers and crew disembarked without injury or incident,” Max Air said.
PREMIUM TIMES earlier reported passenger accounts of the incident, with several travellers describing how the aircraft allegedly shook violently shortly after takeoff, causing fear among passengers.
However, Max Air maintained that the situation was handled in accordance with established safety procedures and stressed that passenger safety remained its highest priority.
Replacement aircraft deployed
The airline said it subsequently deployed a replacement aircraft, identified as 5N-DMK, from Kano to Abuja to continue the Abuja–Katsina service and other scheduled operations.
It also disclosed that its engineering and technical teams had commenced a comprehensive assessment of the affected aircraft in line with regulatory and safety protocols.
Max Air noted that it remains in communication with the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and would cooperate with any review arising from the incident.
As of the time of filing this report, the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) had yet to issue an official statement on the development.
The Director of Public Affairs and Family Assistance at the NSIB had earlier told PREMIUM TIMES that the agency was initially unaware of the incident but would make findings and provide updates if necessary.
The incident adds to growing public attention on airline operations and technical reliability in Nigeria’s aviation sector amid recurring concerns over delays, disruptions and safety-related incidents.
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Governance expert Joe Abah has confirmed he received a full refund of his flight ticket from United Nigeria Airlines after a six-hour flight delay.
Mr Abah disclosed that the airline refunded his ticket within 12 hours of his request and offered him a 50 per cent discount on a future flight for four months.
In a post on X on Thursday, Mr Abah said the airline has apologised, refunded his money, and offered compensation following the disruption to his Enugu-Abuja journey.
“I can confirm that I have now received a full refund from @flyunitedng and that the refund came within 12 hours of my making the request,” he wrote.
“They also offered compensation of 50 per cent off a future flight for the next four months. They have thus apologised, offered compensation, and speedily refunded my money. These are good remedial steps,” he added.
PREMIUM TIMES reported on Wednesday that United Nigeria Airlines apologised to Mr Abah over the delay, acknowledging that its communication and follow-up with affected passengers fell below expectations after he called out the airline on X and questioned its handling of the disruption.
Mr Abah had said his flight, scheduled to depart Enugu for Abuja at 8:30 a.m. on Tuesday, was delayed until 3 p.m., prompting him to demand an immediate refund and question the airline’s explanation.
United Nigeria Airlines, in its response, said its aircraft encountered worsening weather conditions while approaching Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu, forcing it to divert to Anambra in line with safety procedures.
The airline said weather conditions can vary across routes and airports and change quickly, explaining why other aircraft might land while its own could not.
It also acknowledged that keeping passengers adequately informed remains its responsibility, even though weather-related disruptions are sometimes beyond its control.
Following the airline’s response, Mr Abah demanded an immediate refund after purchasing another airline ticket to complete his journey.
The airline subsequently asked him to submit a refund request through its official website, promising immediate processing rather than the usual seven working days.
READ ALSO: Nigerian airline removes passenger after threat to ‘burn down’ aircraft
Mr Abah’s latest confirmation indicates the refund was completed within 12 hours of his request.
The development resolves the refund dispute and highlights how public complaints draw attention to passenger concerns over flight delays, communication, and refund procedures among domestic airlines.
Nigeria’s Civil Aviation Regulations contain consumer protection provisions covering flight delays, cancellations, passenger assistance and compensation in qualifying circumstances.
The NCAA advises passengers to first lodge complaints with airlines and escalate unresolved cases to its Consumer Protection Department.
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