United Nigeria Airlines (UNA) has issued a strong warning regarding the increasing number of wildlife hazards encountered at Nigerian airports. A sixth bird strike incident, occurring on Wednesday, has led to the grounding of an Airbus A320-200 aircraft, threatening the stability of the airline's network.
The incident involved Flight UN0515, which was arriving at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja from Port Harcourt. The impact of the bird strike specifically affected the aircraft's nose section.
This grounding marks the second aircraft taken out of service for UNA within a 24-hour period, causing significant disruptions to its domestic flight schedule. The airline has stated that the affected aircraft has been immediately withdrawn from operations for comprehensive technical inspections, adhering to its stringent safety protocols.
In a statement, UNA described the escalating trend of bird strikes as "deeply concerning and unacceptable." The airline highlighted the serious implications for aviation safety and the substantial financial costs associated with frequent technical assessments and repairs.
"This marks the sixth bird strike involving our aircraft so far in 2026," the airline's Public Relations Office confirmed. The airline is urging greater attention to the issue of wildlife hazards at airports across Nigeria.
