April 16, (THEWILL) — United Nigeria Airlines has withdrawn one of its Airbus A320-200 aircraft from service following yet another bird strike incident, bringing the total number of such occurrences involving its fleet to six in 2026.
The latest incident occurred on Wednesday during landing at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, where Flight UN0515 from Port Harcourt experienced a bird strike that affected the nose section of the aircraft.
The aircraft has since been grounded for detailed inspection and maintenance.
The airline confirmed the development in a statement issued on Thursday by its Public Relations Officer, Chibuikem Uloka, describing the repeated incidents as “deeply concerning and unacceptable” given their implications for operational safety and fleet stability.
The Abuja incident comes barely 24 hours after another bird strike involving the airline was reported at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport, marking the fifth occurrence before the latest case escalated the count to six within the year.
Uloka said the airline has been forced to ground two aircraft within 24 hours due to safety inspections triggered by the incidents, warning that the development may lead to flight delays and schedule disruptions across its network.
“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 airline said the Airbus A320-200 will remain out of service until it completes full technical inspection, structural checks, and any required maintenance in line with regulatory safety standards.
It stressed that safety remains non-negotiable despite the operational pressure caused by repeated disruptions.
Passengers were advised to expect delays as the carrier works to stabilize operations and minimize inconvenience.
Aviation stakeholders say the pattern raises broader concerns about wildlife hazard management at Nigerian airports, especially given the clustering of incidents within a short timeframe and across multiple locations.
United Nigeria Airlines assured passengers that it is working closely with aviation authorities to restore normal operations while reinforcing its safety protocols.
Felix Ifijeh is a journalist with years of professional reporting experience. Known for his keen news sense, compelling storytelling and commitment to accurate, impactful reporting, he has built a reputation for turning leads into clear, engaging, and well-structured reports that resonate with readers. His work reflects deep newsroom experience and a commitment to accurate, impactful journalism.
