Amanze Chinonye
United Nigeria Airlines has reported a third bird strike incident within 48 hours, grounding another aircraft and intensifying concerns over aviation safety and wildlife hazard management at Nigerian Airports, Prime Business Africa reports.
In a statement issued on Friday, April 17, 2026, the airline disclosed that the latest incident involved one of its Embraer 190 aircraft operating Flight UN0561 from Benin City Airport to Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport.
According to the airline, the bird strike occurred during takeoff at about 16:20 on Thursday, April 16, damaging the aircraft’s Nose Landing Gear (NLG) door linkage. The aircraft was immediately withdrawn from service in line with safety protocols.
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The development brings the total number of United Nigeria Airlines aircraft grounded due to bird strikes to three within a 48-hour period, and seven incidents recorded by the airline since the beginning of 2026.
Describing the trend as “extremely concerning and unacceptable,” the airline emphasized that only bird strike cases resulting in significant damage and grounding are publicly reported, suggesting that minor incidents may be more frequent.
“Consistent with our strict and uncompromising safety standards, the aircraft has been immediately withdrawn from operations… to allow for detailed technical inspections and all necessary maintenance before returning to service,” the statement read.
The airline also called on the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) to intensify wildlife hazard control measures across major airports to reduce the risks posed by bird strikes, which remain a known threat to aviation safety globally.
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United Nigeria Airlines apologized to passengers affected by the disruptions, assuring that efforts are ongoing to minimize inconvenience and provide necessary support.
Bird strikes, which occur when birds collide with aircraft, can lead to significant mechanical damage and flight delays, particularly during takeoff and landing phases.
Aviation authorities typically deploy measures such as habitat control, bird scaring techniques, and radar monitoring to mitigate such risks.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
