Second Bird Strike in 24 Hours Grounds United Nigeria Airlines Aircraft, Disrupts Flights

Nigeria’s aviation safety environment has again drawn public attention after United Nigeria Airlines confirmed a second bird strike within 24 hours involving one of its Airbus aircraft—an occurrence that highlights persistent environmental hazards confronting airline operations nationwide.
The latest incident happened on Sunday, February 15, 2026, when an engine of an Airbus A320 operating Flight UN0519 experienced a bird strike during take-off from Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, bound for Murtala Muhammed International Airport.

The development represents the fourth bird-strike event recorded by the airline since January 2026 and the second within a single day—raising renewed concern about wildlife-related operational risks across Nigeria’s aviation corridors.

According to Chibuike Uloka, Public Relations Officer of United Nigeria Airlines, the carrier immediately withdrew the affected aircraft from service in line with strict safety and engineering protocols. He explained that comprehensive technical inspections would be conducted before the aircraft is cleared to return to operations, emphasizing that passenger safety remains the airline’s foremost priority.

The grounding of two Airbus aircraft within less than 24 hours has inevitably disrupted portions of the airline’s network, with several scheduled flights expected to experience delays, rescheduling, or temporary cancellation. Uloka noted that operational teams are actively working to minimise inconvenience by assisting affected passengers with rebooking options and real-time travel support.

Industry observers say the recurrence of bird strikes within such a short timeframe revives long-standing concerns surrounding wildlife management near major Nigerian airports. While bird strikes are recognised globally as a routine aviation hazard, their frequency often reflects broader environmental and infrastructural challenges—ranging from urban waste disposal patterns to migratory bird routes intersecting with flight paths.

Despite the operational setback, United Nigeria Airlines reiterated its commitment to global aviation safety standards, stressing that precautionary aircraft withdrawal and full engineering assessment remain non-negotiable procedures after any wildlife impact involving critical flight components.
For travellers, the airline expressed sincere regret over the disruption to travel plans and appealed for patience and understanding as recovery efforts continue.

Beyond the immediate incident, the development reinforces the aviation sector’s zero-tolerance safety culture while underscoring the urgent need for coordinated environmental control measures around Nigeria’s airports to reduce recurring wildlife hazards.

United Nigeria Airlines confirms a second bird strike within 24 hours, grounding aircraft and disrupting flights as PRO Chibuike Uloka reiterates the airline’s commitment to passenger safety and strict engineering inspections.