United Nigeria Airlines has confirmed that one of its Airbus A320-200 aircraft was involved in a bird strike while landing at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, prompting immediate safety measures and operational adjustments.
The incident occurred on Wednesday at about 15:45 as the aircraft, operating Flight UN0515 from Port Harcourt, was approaching Abuja. According to the airline, the bird strike affected the nose section of the aircraft, necessitating urgent technical attention upon landing.
In response, the airline withdrew the aircraft from active service to allow for a comprehensive inspection and necessary maintenance. The decision, it said, was in line with standard aviation safety protocols aimed at ensuring that all aircraft meet strict operational requirements before returning to service.
United Nigeria Airlines expressed concern over the increasing frequency of such incidents, noting that this marks the sixth bird strike involving its operations since the beginning of 2026. The airline warned that the recurring nature of these events poses challenges not only to safety but also to overall operational efficiency.
The carrier further disclosed that within the same 24 hour period, another aircraft had also been grounded, bringing the number of unavailable aircraft in its fleet to two. This development is expected to impact flight schedules across its network.
As a result, passengers may experience delays or cancellations in the coming days. The airline acknowledged the inconvenience this may cause and appealed to travelers for patience and understanding as it works to manage the situation.
Reassuring the public, the airline emphasised that passenger safety remains its highest priority. It added that all necessary steps are being taken to reduce disruptions, including adjusting flight operations and providing support to affected passengers.
The airline also reiterated its commitment to maintaining high safety standards while continuing efforts to address the operational challenges posed by repeated bird strike incidents.
