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Passengers travelling between Abuja and Lagos on Sunday faced unexpected disruptions after United Nigeria Airlines confirmed that one of its aircraft suffered a bird strike during take-off, marking the second such incident affecting the carrier within 24 hours and the fourth since January 2026.
In a statement issued on 15 February, the airline disclosed that the latest incident occurred on Flight UN0519, scheduled to depart at noon from Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport bound for Murtala Muhammed International Airport.
According to the airline, the bird strike affected one of the engines of the Airbus A320 aircraft during take-off procedures.
The carrier said the aircraft was immediately withdrawn from service in line with its “strict and uncompromising safety standards” to allow for comprehensive engineering inspections before it can return to operations. The decision means that two of the airline’s Airbus aircraft have now been grounded within less than a day because of bird strike incidents.
Network Disruptions Expected
The airline warned that the situation could lead to delays and cancellations across parts of its route network, as fleet availability has temporarily reduced.
While it did not specify how many flights might be affected, it assured travellers that operational teams were working to minimise inconvenience and assist impacted passengers.
“This is another bird strike too many,” the airline noted, apologising for disruptions and appealing for patience from travellers while technical teams conduct mandatory safety checks.
Safety Protocols Triggered
Bird strikes—collisions between birds and aircraft—are a recognised aviation hazard worldwide, particularly during take-off and landing when aircraft operate at lower altitudes where birds are most active.
Aviation regulations typically require any aircraft involved in such an incident to undergo detailed inspection to ensure no structural or engine damage has occurred, even if no immediate fault is visible.
Industry safety standards emphasise that grounding affected aircraft is a precautionary measure rather than an indication of catastrophic damage.
Airlines that strictly follow these protocols are considered compliant with international best practices designed to prioritise passenger safety over schedule reliability.
Rising Concern Over Frequency
The recurrence of four bird strike incidents involving the same airline within roughly six weeks may raise operational and environmental questions for aviation authorities and airport wildlife-management units.
Airports usually deploy bird-control systems—such as habitat modification, sound deterrents, and patrol teams—to reduce the risk of wildlife interference with aircraft.
While the airline did not attribute the incidents to specific causes, aviation analysts note that seasonal bird migration patterns, weather changes, and airport surroundings can influence bird activity near runways.
Reassurance to Travellers
Despite the disruptions, the airline reiterated its commitment to maintaining the highest safety standards, stressing that no passenger safety was compromised in the incident. It added that customer service teams are providing assistance, rebooking options, and support to affected travellers.
The latest occurrence underscores the delicate balance airlines must maintain between operational efficiency and safety compliance.
For passengers, the event serves as a reminder that while delays can be frustrating, precautionary checks are a critical part of modern aviation’s layered safety system.
United Nigeria Airlines concluded its statement by thanking passengers and the public for their understanding as it works to restore normal flight schedules once inspections are completed and the affected aircraft are cleared for service.
