A Max Air plane crash-landed on Sunday afternoon, creating panic at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja after the tyre burst into flames.
The aircraft arrived from Yola, Adamawa State when the incident happened.
The Aerodrome Rescue and Fire-fighting Service (ARFFS) operatives at the airport however quickly put off the fire.
The incident occurred around 1450hrs and had 144 passengers on board with six crew members.
An official of the airline who confirmed the incident said the passengers safely disembarked.
He however said efforts are being made to tow the aircraft out of the runway.
Reacting to the development, the management of MaxAir on Sunday stated that its flight experienced tire bursts during landing.
The airline on its official Twitter page @MaxAirLtd posted: “On May 7th, 2023, a Max Air flight with 143 passengers and one infant on board, departing from Yola at around 14:05, was scheduled to arrive in Abuja at 15:00.
“However, the aircraft experienced two tire bursts on landing in Abuja, and the emergency response team quickly responded at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport.
“We are pleased to report that all passengers and crew on board the aircraft are safe and sound.
“The airline has taken all necessary steps to ensure that the passengers are comfortable and are being taken care of during this time.
“They have been conveyed to the arrival terminal with their luggage and belongings. The aircraft tires are being replaced and the aircraft will taxi to the ramp for further investigations before being released for future flights.
“Max Air is committed to providing safe and reliable air travel to all its passengers. We thank all the passengers for their patience and understanding of what transpired.
“The airline would like to extend its appreciation to the airport authorities, emergency services, and all relevant agencies who responded promptly and professionally to ensure the safety of all passengers and crew on board.
“Max Air will continue to provide updates on the situation as more information becomes available.”
Confirming the incident too, an official of the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), stated: “It is not a plane crash but a Max Air aircraft from Yola to Abuja that landed had burst tires on landing.
“Passengers were safely evacuated while efforts are being made to tow the aircraft out of the runway where it got stuck.”
Former President of the Nigeria Medical Association (NMA), Dr. Mike Ogirima, said the tyre burst occurred after takeoff at Yola Airport.
However, the aircraft crash-landed in Abuja with emergency officials already on ground to put off the fire before the passengers disembarked rlat the runway.
Ogirima said: “We thank God. We are still on the runway and pilot has reassured us. He has called for the stairs and we are now disembarking from the runway to be evacuated to the airport building at the arrival hall.
“We bless God because we have witnessed the pull out of the tyre right from the airport in Yola and we went into a prayer session. I never announced it as a surgeon so as not to cause any panic but we bless God.”
The passengers were safely disembarked from the runway while the runway has been temporarily shut until the evacuation of the aircraft.
