June 01, (THEWIILL) – A Saudi Arabia-bound Max Air aircraft, Boeing 747 carrying 554 pilgrims, on Wednesday, developed a fault shortly after takeoff from Dutse Airport and was forced to land at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport.
THEWILL gathered that the aircraft was carrying pilgrims from Dutse, Jigawa State to Saudi Arabia for the 2023 hajj when the incident happened.
The management of Max Air confirmed the occurrence, stating that the aircraft encountered severe weather conditions.
It added that the windscreen of the aircraft had a slight crack shortly after it took off from Dutse Airport, prompting the aircraft to divert to Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport (MAKIA).
In a statement issued shortly after the incident, Max Air stated that all the pilgrims have been taken care of and that they have been safely transferred to another aircraft to continue their journey to the holy land.
The airline, the statement assured, is committed to passengers’ safety and comfort, adding that the incident was due to adverse weather conditions.
It added that the prompt and professional response by the crew ensured a smooth diversion and landing, mitigating any potential risk.
Max Air, the statement added, maintains rigorous maintenance standards to ensure the airworthiness of its fleet in compliance with international aviation regulations.
Anthony Awunor, is a business correspondent who holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Linguistics (UNILAG). He is also an alumnus of the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT), Zaria Kaduna State. He lives in Lagos.
