Borno State Deputy Governor, Alhaji Umar Usman Kadafur, and more than 100 passengers narrowly avoided disaster when a Max Air flight suffered an engine fire shortly after departing from Maiduguri International Airport.
The incident occurred around 7 p.m. on Wednesday, moments after takeoff on a flight bound for Abuja. A bird strike caused one of the engines to fail and catch fire, prompting the pilot to perform an emergency landing back at the Maiduguri airport.
A Max Air official, speaking anonymously, confirmed the event: “A bird strike caused engine failure, leading to a fire. The crew responded quickly, ensuring passenger safety.”
Following the emergency landing, panic ensued among passengers. Many chose to cancel their travel plans, while others, including the Deputy Governor, waited for an alternative aircraft arranged by Max Air to continue their journey to Abuja.
The damaged aircraft remains grounded at Maiduguri Airport for repairs, with investigations ongoing. Authorities have reassured the public of their commitment to safety and praised the crew for their swift actions in averting a potential tragedy.