United Nigeria Airlines Grounds Aircraft After Fifth Bird Strike Incident in 2026

United Nigeria Airlines has recorded its fifth bird strike incident of the year after one of its aircraft was hit while approaching Abuja.

The affected flight, UN0579, was traveling from Kano to the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport when the incident occurred during landing on Tuesday, April 14.

In an official statement, the airline’s spokesperson, Chibuike Uloka, confirmed that the aircraft has been withdrawn from service to undergo detailed safety and technical inspections. The airline noted that this action aligns with its strict safety protocols.

As a result, passengers may experience disruptions across some scheduled flights while engineers assess the extent of the damage and carry out necessary maintenance.

The repeated occurrence of bird strikes—now totaling five since the start of 2026—has raised fresh concerns within the aviation sector about airport safety and environmental management.

Experts have pointed out that birds are often attracted to airport environments, especially those located near wetlands or poorly maintained surroundings. According to ornithologist Jalo Muhammad, factors such as available food sources and habitat conditions can draw species like kites and lapwings close to runways, increasing the risk of such incidents.

Despite the situation, the airline reassured passengers that all cases have been handled in line with aviation safety regulations. It also issued an apology for any inconvenience caused, emphasizing that passenger safety remains its top priority.