A Max Air flight carrying the Deputy Governor of Borno State, Alhaji Umar Usman Kadafur, and over 100 passengers caught fire shortly after takeoff from Maiduguri International Airport on Wednesday evening, December 4, 2024.
The incident, which occurred around 7 p.m., was reportedly caused by a suspected bird strike that ignited one of the aircraft’s engines.
A Max Air staff member confirmed the plane made an emergency landing back at Maiduguri International Airport, with all passengers and crew safely evacuated. “The quick response of the crew ensured the safety of everyone on board,” the staff member stated.
In the aftermath, Max Air dispatched another aircraft from Kano to transport stranded passengers to Abuja. However, some passengers chose to retrieve their luggage and return home.
The damaged aircraft remains grounded at Maiduguri airport as repairs and investigations are underway.
