United Nigeria Airlines (UNA) has temporarily withdrawn three aircraft from operation following a series of bird strike incidents recorded within a 48-hour period.
The airline confirmed the development in a statement issued in Awka by its Public Relations Officer, Mr Chibuike Uloka, describing the situation as a growing safety concern.
According to the airline, the most recent incident occurred at Benin City Airport, where an Embraer 190 aircraft was struck by a bird while preparing for departure to Abuja.
The aircraft, operating Flight UN0561, sustained damage to its nose landing gear, forcing the airline to ground it for safety inspections and repairs.
Bird strike incidents—defined as collisions between birds and aircraft—commonly occur during takeoff or landing and can result in serious damage to critical components such as engines, windshields, and airframes.
United Nigeria Airlines disclosed that the Benin incident marked the third bird strike in just two days and the seventh recorded since early January 2026.
The airline expressed concern over the increasing frequency of such occurrences, noting that only incidents severe enough to ground aircraft are publicly reported.
UNA emphasized that repeated bird strikes pose operational and safety challenges, leading to flight disruptions and delays for passengers.
The airline has called on the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) to intensify wildlife hazard control measures at major airports across the country.
It stressed the need for improved monitoring and mitigation strategies to reduce the risks posed by birds within airport environments.
United Nigeria Airlines also apologised to passengers affected by the disruptions, assuring them that safety remains its top priority.
The airline reiterated its commitment to maintaining high operational standards while working with aviation authorities to address the issue.
