United Nigeria Airlines has confirmed the withdrawal of one of its Airbus A320-200 aircraft from service following a bird strike incident on Wednesday. The airline’s Public Relations Officer, Chibuikem Uloka, disclosed in a statement on Thursday that this was the sixth bird strike involving the carrier’s fleet in 2026.
The incident occurred during landing at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, after a flight from Port Harcourt International Airport. The aircraft, operating as Flight UN0515, sustained damage to its nose section. United Nigeria Airlines stated that the plane has been immediately taken out of service for comprehensive technical inspections and any necessary maintenance before being cleared to return to operations.
The airline emphasised that this decision aligns with its strict and uncompromising 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 brings the total number of United Nigeria Airlines planes out of service to two within a 24-hour period. As a result, the airline has warned that some flights across its network may face disruptions or cancellations.
United Nigeria Airlines expressed regret for any inconvenience caused by the operational adjustments and reiterated that passenger safety remains its top priority. The airline said it is working diligently to minimise disruptions and provide support to affected travellers.
Bird strikes remain a persistent challenge in aviation, particularly in regions with significant bird populations near airports. Such incidents can cause varying degrees of damage to aircraft, ranging from minor to severe, depending on the size of the bird and the area of impact. Airlines globally continue to invest in preventive measures, including wildlife management programmes and improved radar systems, to mitigate the risks associated with bird strikes.
