A Max Air aircraft en route from Abuja to Katsina on Monday made an emergency return to the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, after experiencing an “engine anomaly” mid-air.

According to a video shared on X, passengers were seen waiting on the tarmac after the aircraft landed safely in Abuja.

Narrating the incident, a passenger said the aircraft developed the fault about 10 minutes after takeoff, suddenly losing altitude.

“We are currently at the airport following a distressing incident involving a Max Air flight from Abuja to Katsina,” the passenger narrated in the video.

​“Approximately 10 minutes into the flight, the aircraft experienced a sudden technical failure, causing it to lose altitude rapidly as if it were falling.

“The pilots managed to regain control and immediately performed an emergency return to Abuja for our safety. We have since landed safely, but we are currently stranded on the tarmac.”

The passenger said several high-profile individuals were onboard the flight, including Abba, son of Dahiru Mangal; the senior special assistant on digital media to the Katsina governor, the governor’s media assistant, and other government officials.

​“At this moment, our fate remains uncertain. We are waiting for a decision from Max Air officials on whether they will repair the aircraft for us to re-board or provide an alternative plane,” she said.

“We are still standing outside and feel completely stranded. Please keep us in your prayers as we wait for a resolution.”

‘OUR TEAM HAS COMMENCED ASSESSMENT ON AIRCRAFT’

In a statement on Tuesday, Max Air said the incident involved flight VM1620 operating the Abuja-Katsina route.

The airline said about 15 minutes after departure, the flight crew of aircraft 5N-DAB, a Boeing 737-300, identified “an indication of an engine anomaly”.

“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 aircraft landed safely, and all passengers and crew disembarked without incident,” the statement reads.

“Following the air return, Max Air immediately coordinated the deployment of a second aircraft, 5N-DMK, from Kano to Abuja. The Abuja–Katsina route and other routes were subsequently operated.”

The airline added that its engineering and technical teams had commenced a full assessment of the aircraft in line with regulatory requirements.

“We remain in close contact with the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and will cooperate fully with any review process,” Max Air said.

In January 2025, a Max Air aircraft crash-landed at the Mallam Aminu International Airport, Kano.

A video seen by TheCable showed that the aircraft, which arrived from Lagos, lost its landing gear tyre during landing, leading to the incident.