A second bird strike in less than 24 hours has grounded another United Nigeria Airlines Airbus A320 aircraft, marking the fourth such incident since January 2026.
The latest incident occurred on Sunday, 15 February 2026, when Flight UN0519, scheduled to depart Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, for Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, hit a bird during takeoff, damaging one of its engines.
In a statement, United Nigeria Airlines said, “In line with our strict and uncompromising safety standards, the affected aircraft has been withdrawn from service for comprehensive technical inspections before returning to operations.”
This brings the total number of Airbus aircraft withdrawn from service in less than 24 hours to two.
“We sincerely apologize for any inconveniences this unforeseen development may cause to your travel plans and kindly seek the understanding and patience of our valued passengers and the general public,” the airline said.
The airline’s management further stressed that: “Our team is working diligently to minimize disruptions and to provide support to all affected travelers.”
Spokesperson for the airline, Uloka Chubuike, expressed frustration with the frequency of bird strikes, saying, “This is indeed another bird strike too many. We are doing everything possible to ensure the safety of our passengers and crew, but we need the support of relevant authorities to address this issue.”
The repeated incidents have raised concerns about the effectiveness of wildlife hazard management at Nigerian airports. With multiple aircraft grounded, flights across the airline’s network are expected to be disrupted, leaving passengers to deal with the fallout.
“This is a developing situation, and we will continue to work with the authorities to find a solution to this problem,” the spokesperson said. “We appreciate the patience and understanding of our passengers and assure them that we are doing everything possible to minimize the impact of these disruptions.”
The incident highlights the need for urgent action to address the growing problem of bird strikes in Nigerian airspace. As the airline navigates this crisis, passengers are advised to stay informed and plan accordingly.
The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) have yet to comment on the incidents.
However, experts say that the authorities must take immediate action to address the issue, including deploying bird detection radar systems and implementing effective wildlife hazard management strategies.
As the situation unfolds, it is clear: Nigerian airlines and passengers deserve a safer and more reliable air travel experience.
