Max Air confirms News360 Nigeria report on bird strike

Nigerian airline Max Air has confirmed that its Flight VM1623, with registration number 5N-BBM, made an emergency return to Maiduguri International Airport after an engine abnormality was detected during takeoff.

The incident occurred on Wednesday, December 4, 2024, when the aircraft, en route to Abuja, suffered engine failure due to a bird strike approximately 10 minutes into the flight.

Among the passengers onboard were the Deputy Governor of Borno State, Alhaji Umar Kadafur, and over 100 others.

In a statement released on Thursday, Max Air assured that all passengers and crew members disembarked safely, with no injuries reported. The airline explained that the captain initiated an air return upon observing irregular engine parameters and commended the crew for their professionalism in managing the situation.

Max Air extended apologies to passengers for the disruption and expressed gratitude 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.”