Max Air Flight Returns to Abuja Due to Engine Issues

On Monday, May 11, 2026, Max Air flight VM1620, which departed from Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja, was forced to return just 15 minutes after takeoff due to indications of engine malfunction observed by the crew on the Boeing 737-300, registration 5N-DAB. Passengers described the experience as a near crash.

Among those on board were dignitaries, including the son of Max Air founder Alhaji Dahiru Mangal, who expressed relief at the safe landing, stating it was not a pleasant experience. Max Air explained that the pilot acted in accordance with standard aviation safety procedures by returning the aircraft to Abuja.

The aircraft landed safely, and all passengers and crew members disembarked without injuries. Max Air has arranged for a replacement aircraft, identified as 5N-DMK, to continue operations on the Abuja-Katsina route.

The airline's engineering team has begun a comprehensive assessment of the affected aircraft, in cooperation with the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, which will review the incident.