Max Air has confirmed that Flight VM1620 returned to Abuja on Monday after takeoff.
The aircraft, a Boeing 737-300, developed an engine problem just 15 minutes into the journey to Katsina. Crew members detected the malfunction and made the decision to return immediately.
One passenger recalled hearing strange sounds during the flight. "We thought the aircraft was going to drop," the traveller told reporters, describing the ordeal as frightening.
Videos of the incident circulated online, with some observers calling it a near-crash. Passengers aboard included prominent figures, among them the son of Max Air's founder, Alhaji Dahiru Mangal.
All 137 occupants—passengers and crew—safely disembarked without injury. No one was harmed during the return.
Max Air's management moved quickly to downplay concerns. In a statement, the airline stressed that pilots followed standard safety protocols by returning to base.
Officials noted the landing was smooth and uneventful. Emergency procedures worked as designed, they insisted.
A replacement aircraft was deployed from Kano within hours. The Boeing 737, identified as 5N-DMK, resumed services on the Abuja-Katsina route and other scheduled flights.
Engineering teams began thorough inspections of the affected plane immediately. Max Air said it's working strictly within regulatory guidelines and safety requirements.
The airline told reporters it remains in constant contact with Nigeria's Civil Aviation Authority. They've pledged full cooperation with any official review or probe into what happened.
In its statement, Max Air reaffirmed its commitment to passenger safety. Service quality and continuous improvement remain priorities, management added.
Passengers received thanks for their patience and loyalty. The airline appreciated their understanding during the incident.
Nigeria's Safety Investigation Bureau hasn't released any statement yet. No word from the NSIB on whether a formal investigation has been opened.
