A bird strike involving an aircraft operated by United Nigeria Airlines has led to flight disruptions across its network, the airline confirmed on Sunday. The incident affected one of its Airbus A320 planes and forced the airline to cancel and delay several scheduled flights.
According to a statement released by the airline, the bird strike occurred during Flight UN0509, which was scheduled to depart from Asaba International Airport to Murtala Muhammed International Airport at 12:00 noon.
The airline explained that the bird strike impacted one of the aircraft’s engines while the flight was in operation. Although such incidents are not uncommon in aviation, they can pose serious safety concerns depending on the level of damage caused.
“As a result of a bird strike on one of the engines of our Airbus A320 aircraft during Flight UN0509, some flights across our network will not operate as scheduled,” the airline said.
Following the incident, the affected aircraft was immediately withdrawn from service in line with global aviation safety procedures. The airline said the plane would undergo a full inspection before it is cleared to return to operation.
“In adherence to our strict and uncompromising safety standards, the affected aircraft has been withdrawn from service for comprehensive inspection,” the statement added.
Bird strikes occur when birds collide with aircraft, especially during takeoff or landing when planes are at lower altitudes. According to aviation experts, engines are particularly vulnerable because they can ingest birds, which may lead to damage or even engine failure in severe cases. However, modern aircraft are designed to withstand such events, and pilots are trained to handle them safely.
In Nigeria, bird strikes are a known challenge, particularly at airports located near wetlands or open fields where birds are common. Aviation authorities, including the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), regularly implement wildlife control measures such as habitat management and bird scaring techniques to reduce the risk.
Despite these efforts, occasional incidents still occur, highlighting the importance of strict safety checks and quick response by airlines.
Passengers scheduled to travel with United Nigeria Airlines on Sunday experienced delays and cancellations as a result of the disruption. Some travelers expressed concern over the sudden changes, especially those with connecting flights or urgent engagements.
The airline, however, apologised for the inconvenience and appealed for patience from affected passengers.
“We sincerely apologise for any inconvenience this unforeseen development may cause to your travel plans and kindly appeal for the understanding and patience of our valued passengers,” the airline stated.
United Nigeria Airlines also assured customers that its team was working to minimise the impact of the disruption. The airline said efforts were ongoing to provide support, including rescheduling affected passengers and offering necessary assistance.
“Our team is working diligently to minimise disruptions and provide support to all affected travellers,” the statement concluded.
Founded in 2020, United Nigeria Airlines is one of Nigeria’s growing domestic carriers, operating flights to major cities including Lagos, Abuja, Enugu, and Asaba. Like other airlines in the country, it operates under strict regulations set by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), which prioritises passenger safety above all else.
Industry analysts note that while disruptions can be frustrating for passengers, the decision to ground an aircraft after a bird strike is a standard and necessary safety measure. Allowing a potentially damaged aircraft to continue operations could pose far greater risks.
Aviation safety experts also stress the importance of continuous investment in airport infrastructure and wildlife management systems to reduce the frequency of such incidents. Improved radar systems, better landscaping, and coordinated bird control programs are some of the measures that can help.
For now, United Nigeria Airlines says it remains committed to maintaining high safety standards while working to restore normal flight operations as quickly as possible.