United Nigeria Airlines has confirmed the withdrawal of one of its Airbus A320-200 aircraft from service following a bird strike incident that occurred on Wednesday. The airline’s Public Relations Officer, Chibuikem Uloka, stated in a press release on Thursday that this incident marks the sixth bird strike involving the carrier’s fleet in 2026. The event took place during landing at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja, after the aircraft had flown from Port Harcourt International Airport. The aircraft, operating as Flight UN0515, sustained damage to its nose section.
In response to the incident, United Nigeria Airlines has taken the aircraft out of service for comprehensive technical inspections and any necessary maintenance before it can be cleared to return to operations. The airline emphasized that this decision is in line with its strict safety standards. “This marks the sixth bird strike involving our aircraft so far in 2026, an occurrence we find deeply concerning and unacceptable due to its implications for aviation safety and operational stability,” the statement read.
The grounding of the affected aircraft has resulted in a total of two United Nigeria Airlines planes being out of service within a 24-hour period. Consequently, the airline has warned that some flights across its network may experience disruptions or cancellations. United Nigeria Airlines expressed regret for any inconvenience caused by these operational adjustments and reiterated that passenger safety remains its top priority. The airline is working diligently to minimize disruptions and provide support to affected travelers.
Bird strikes continue to pose a persistent challenge in aviation, particularly in regions with significant bird populations near airports. Such incidents can result in varying degrees of damage to aircraft, depending on the size of the bird and the area of impact. Airlines worldwide are investing in preventive measures, including wildlife management programs and enhanced radar systems, to mitigate the risks associated with bird strikes.
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