United Nigeria Airlines Records Fifth Bird Strike Since January, Grounds CRJ-900 for Inspection

United Nigeria Airlines has confirmed another bird strike incident involving one of its aircraft, marking the fifth such occurrence for the carrier since the beginning of the year.

The latest incident took place on Tuesday during the landing approach of Flight UN0579, which departed Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport and arrived at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja. The aircraft involved was a CRJ-900 regional jet.

In a statement issued by the airline’s public relations officer, Chibuike Uloka, the carrier confirmed that the affected aircraft has been immediately withdrawn from service for comprehensive technical inspections and necessary maintenance in accordance with safety protocols.

“In line with our strict and uncompromising safety standards, the aircraft has been immediately withdrawn from operations to undergo comprehensive technical inspections and any required maintenance before being returned to service,” the statement read.

The airline cautioned passengers that the unscheduled removal of the aircraft may lead to disruptions across its flight network. “Consequently, some flights across our network may not operate as scheduled; however, safety remains our highest priority. We sincerely apologise for any inconvenience this unforeseen development may cause to our passengers’ travel plans,” Uloka added.

United Nigeria Airlines noted that while this incident represents the fifth bird strike recorded by the carrier since January 2026, each case has been managed in full compliance with applicable aviation safety regulations and established operational procedures.

The frequency of bird strike incidents across Nigerian airports has drawn growing attention from aviation stakeholders. Ornithologist Jalo Muhammad, speaking on the recurring issue, attributed the phenomenon largely to environmental conditions surrounding airport facilities.

“Usually, birds are highly mobile, and this makes them an incredible creature. They are always attracted to the habitat,” Muhammad explained. “If the airport is around a big wetland area, there will definitely be an abundance of birds, which may lead to bird strikes. In grassland areas, there are a lot of rodents which draw the attention of certain birds.”

Muhammad further noted that even with active wildlife management, certain bird species around airports are highly adaptable. “No matter the changes made around them, they will adapt as long as there is food around them,” he said.

Bird strikes remain a significant operational and safety concern for the global aviation industry, with airports required to maintain rigorous wildlife hazard management programmes to mitigate the risk.