Max Air Limited has announced the completion of its scheduled maintenance program and will resume full flight operations on Monday, June 15, 2026. The airline confirmed that regular flights will restart following thorough maintenance inspections and safety checks.
Max Air Returns to Full Service
The maintenance activities were designed to underscore the airline's dedication to safety, operational excellence, and regulatory compliance, ensuring the reliability and safety of passenger flights. Max Air expressed gratitude to passengers, partners, and stakeholders for their patience and support during the maintenance period.
In a statement, the airline said: "Max Air is pleased to announce that following the successful completion of our scheduled maintenance programme, all flight operations will return to their regular schedules effective Monday, 15 June 2026. The maintenance was carried out as part of our commitment to safety, operational excellence, and regulatory compliance, with all required inspections and checks completed in accordance with industry standards. We sincerely thank our passengers, partners, and stakeholders for their patience, understanding, and continued support. We look forward to welcoming you on board and continuing to provide the safe, reliable, and quality service you trust."
NCAA Approves Pioneer Airlines for Charter Operations
In a separate development, the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has issued an Air Operator Certificate (AOC) to Pioneer Airlines, authorizing the carrier to conduct unscheduled operations, including charter flights and group bookings. The certification marks a significant milestone for the airline, which joins a growing list of licensed carriers in Nigeria's aviation sector.
The Director General of the NCAA, Chris Ona Najomo, formally presented the certificate to Pioneer Airlines in Abuja. He commended the airline for successfully completing the certification process and meeting all required safety standards. Najomo urged the airline to maintain operational discipline as it begins operations and emphasized that the NCAA will continuously monitor the airline to ensure compliance with aviation regulations and global standards.
Receiving the certificate, the Managing Director of Pioneer Airlines, Henry Ungbuku, noted that the approval took just over four months due to the airline's readiness to operate. This approval positions Pioneer Airlines among new entrants eager to thrive in Nigeria's evolving aviation landscape.
Airfares Continue to Rise
Meanwhile, data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) reveals that the average fare paid by air passengers for specified single-route journeys stood at N157,355.87 in April 2026, reflecting a 0.08% increase compared to March 2026. Year-on-year, the fare rose by 20.82% from N130,243.90 in April 2025. Kano recorded the highest air transport charges at N183,835.21, followed by Lagos with N176,659.49.
