A private jet operated by Flybird Aircraft Management Services Limited experienced an unusual landing at the Malam Aminu Kano International Airport (MAKIA) on Sunday morning, with all passengers and crew evacuated safely and no injuries recorded.
The aircraft, a Hawker 800XP with registration 5N-ISB, departed the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, at about 09:20 hours local time on a non-scheduled domestic flight to Kano. Reports initially described the incident as a crash-landing after the jet encountered difficulties during arrival, triggering panic among airport users. The aircraft was carrying between eight and eleven people, including crew members, according to official and eyewitness accounts.
Flybird Aircraft Management confirmed that an operational incident occurred during arrival at Kano on Sunday, 14 December 2025. The company stated that the flight crew followed all established operational and safety procedures and brought the aircraft to a safe stop. Passengers and crew disembarked safely, and the aircraft was secured. The incident was formally reported to the relevant aviation authorities, while a detailed technical inspection and investigation commenced in line with regulatory requirements.
Further details emerged from the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB), which has launched a formal investigation into the occurrence. According to a statement by the NSIB’s Director of Public Affairs and Family Assistance, Mrs. Bimbo Oladeji, there were eight persons on board, comprising two cockpit crew members, one cabin crew member, and five passengers. During the approach into Kano, the flight crew reported a landing gear indication anomaly and requested multiple low passes over the runway to allow air traffic controllers visually confirm the landing gear position. Kano Tower confirmed on each pass that all three landing gears appeared fully extended.
The aircraft subsequently landed on Runway 06 at about 10:34 hours local time. During the landing roll, the nose landing gear collapsed, causing the aircraft to overshoot or slip on the runway. All occupants disembarked safely without injury, while airport emergency response teams secured the scene and ensured the safety of passengers and personnel.
The NSIB said it has activated its Go-Team and will examine the aircraft systems, operational procedures, maintenance records, and crew actions to determine the circumstances that led to the incident. The Bureau emphasized that the investigation is not to apportion blame or liability but to identify safety issues and prevent future occurrences, adding that further updates will be provided as the probe progresses.
Flybird reiterated its commitment to safety and operational excellence and assured that it will continue to cooperate fully with aviation authorities as investigations continue.
