…Grounds second aircraft
United Nigeria Airlines has announced another bird strike incident involving one of its Airbus A320 aircraft, marking the second occurrence within 24 hours and raising concerns about operational disruptions across its network.
The airline disclosed that the latest incident occurred during the scheduled departure of Flight UN0519 at about 12:00 noon on Sunday, February 15, 2026.
The flight was departing from Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja en route to Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos when the aircraft encountered a bird strike shortly after take-off procedures commenced.
According to the airline, one of the aircraft’s engines was affected by the bird strike, prompting immediate safety measures.
In line with its operational safety standards, the aircraft was withdrawn from service to undergo comprehensive technical inspections and evaluation before being cleared for future operations.
The incident brings to two the number of Airbus aircraft in the airline’s fleet that have been temporarily grounded within a 24-hour period due to bird strikes.
As a result, the airline warned that passengers may experience delays, rescheduling, or cancellations on some routes while operational adjustments are being implemented to manage the disruption.
The airline noted that this latest development represents the fourth bird strike involving its aircraft since January 2026, highlighting the growing challenge posed by wildlife hazards to aviation safety.
Despite the disruptions, United Nigeria Airlines reassured passengers and stakeholders that safety remains its top priority.
“We sincerely apologise for the inconvenience this unforeseen development may cause to our valued passengers and stakeholders. Our team is working diligently to minimise disruptions and provide the necessary support and updates to all affected travellers,” the airline said in a statement.
The airline added that it will continue to adhere strictly to safety protocols to ensure the protection of passengers, crew members, and its aircraft.
