United Nigeria Airlines records fourth bird strike in 2026
United Nigeria Airlines has experienced its fourth bird strike of 2026, leading to the temporary withdrawal of two aircraft for safety inspections.
United Nigeria Airlines has reported a troubling incident involving its Airbus A320 aircraft, marking the fourth bird strike in just over a week. The most recent event took place during the take-off of Flight UN0519 from Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja to Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos. The incident impacted one of the aircraft's engines, prompting the airline to ground the plane to ensure passenger safety and maintain strict operational standards.
In a statement from their Public Relations Office, the airline underscored its commitment to safety, indicating that the affected aircraft would undergo thorough technical inspections prior to resuming service. This decision reflects the airline's dedication to ensuring that all operational aircraft meet the highest safety criteria. Such incidents raise concerns not only for the airline's operational integrity but also for passenger confidence in air travel amidst recurring safety challenges.
The frequency of bird strikes within a short time frame emphasizes the need for improved measures in managing wildlife near airports and the potential implications for flight operations. While the airline has taken immediate action by temporarily withdrawing the affected aircraft, this situation highlights ongoing challenges in aviation safety that airlines must navigate, balancing operational demands with the necessity of absolute passenger safety.