United Nigeria Airlines has expressed concern over the rising incidence of bird strikes, describing the development as a serious operational and financial challenge for airlines.
The airline disclosed that it recently experienced multiple bird strike incidents involving its Airbus A320 aircraft. One of the occurrences happened over the weekend during the take off of Flight UN0523 from Asaba International Airport to Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos. Less than 24 hours later, another aircraft engine was affected during the take off of Flight UN0519 from Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, to Lagos.
Chairman of the airline, Professor Obiora Okonkwo, raised the concerns during a strategic meeting with the Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, Mrs Olubunmi Kuku, at the agency’s headquarters in Lagos. The meeting focused on strengthening collaboration on aviation environmental safety, airport infrastructure, operating hours, and the airline’s expansion plans.
According to a statement by the airline’s Public Relations Officer, Chibuike Uloka, the FAAN Managing Director identified major causes of bird strikes and announced environmental measures such as improved grass and habitat management around airports. She also revealed plans to upgrade airfield lighting at Category II airports to support extended operations, including apron and lighting improvements at Benin Airport and upgrades in Jos.
The airline also raised concerns about limited operating hours at sunrise and sunset airports, the need for improved facilities, and increasing cases of unruly passenger behaviour. United Nigeria Airlines further requested land allocation in Abuja for the development of a Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul facility.
FAAN expressed willingness to review the request and indicated plans to fast track the allocation to strengthen local aircraft maintenance capacity and improve aviation safety.
