When birds keep showing up uninvited, even aircraft need a timeout — and United Nigeria Airlines has just parked one Airbus for safety checks.
Awka — United Nigeria Airlines has withdrawn one of its Airbus A320-200 aircraft after it was hit by a bird strike on landing in Abuja.
The airline says the aircraft, operating from Port Harcourt to Abuja on Wednesday, suffered damage to its nose section after the impact at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport.
According to spokesperson Chibuikem Uloka, this is the sixth bird strike involving the airline’s aircraft in 2026 alone, a trend the company calls “deeply concerning and unacceptable.”
The affected aircraft has now been grounded for full technical inspection and possible repairs, in line with the airline’s safety standards.
The incident also means two aircraft have been grounded within 24 hours, raising concerns about possible flight disruptions across its network.
Passengers have been urged to expect delays as the airline works to adjust schedules and minimise inconvenience.
United Nigeria Airlines apologized to travelers, stressing that safety remains its top priority despite the operational setback.
too many bird encounters, fewer flights in the air — for now.
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