Tension at Maiduguri Airport as Max Air Passengers Stranded Over Pilots’ Pay Dispute

There was drama at the Maiduguri International Airport on Monday when more than 100 passengers of Max Air were left stranded for several hours following a standoff between the airline’s pilots and management over unpaid entitlements.

The unexpected dispute caused panic and confusion among travellers who had already boarded the aircraft and were waiting for takeoff.

An eyewitness, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the pilots refused to operate the flight due to unpaid allowances, while flight attendants blamed the delay squarely on the management’s failure to settle the pilots’ outstanding dues.

The situation held operations hostage for hours, forcing the visibly frustrated passengers to disembark after being informed of the dispute and the pilot’s refusal to proceed with the journey.

Another passenger, identified only as Shola, told The PUNCH that the pilots were protesting unresolved financial issues with the company.

“We had all taken our seats and were ready for departure when the crew suddenly asked everyone to leave the plane,” he said. “Passengers waited in uncertainty for hours before being told that the issue had been settled. We were later asked to re-board.”

Confirming the incident, the Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection at the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Michael Achimugu, said the disagreement was eventually resolved without regulatory intervention.

“The flight departed around 2:00 p.m., which indicates the matter was resolved amicably. Since it was an internal issue and did not affect safety, the NCAA considered it closed,” Achimugu explained.

He added that while the NCAA oversees operational and safety standards, salary-related disputes fall within the airline’s internal management unless they pose a safety risk.

Similarly, Max Air’s Executive Director, Shehu Wada, confirmed the incident but downplayed its severity, describing it as a communication gap between the airline and its staff.

“It was simply a misunderstanding, and it has been resolved,” Wada said.