Air Peace Aircraft Grounded Following Bird Strike at Kano Airport

An Air Peace aircraft operating a scheduled domestic flight from Abuja to Kano was grounded on Wednesday after sustaining a bird strike shortly after landing at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport.

In line with standard aviation safety protocols, the airline immediately withdrew the aircraft from service for comprehensive technical inspections to assess any potential damage.

Air Peace said the aircraft will remain grounded until engineers confirm it is safe to return to operations. To minimise disruption to passengers, the airline promptly deployed a replacement aircraft to continue services on the Abuja-Kano route.

“The affected aircraft has been grounded for comprehensive technical assessments in strict compliance with aviation safety protocols,” the airline stated. Air Peace expressed regret over the inconvenience caused and thanked passengers for their understanding, reiterating that passenger safety remains its top priority.

Bird strikes, which occur when birds collide with aircraft during takeoff, landing, or in flight, have become an increasing concern for Nigerian carriers in recent months. While many incidents result in minor or no damage, they can lead to flight delays, operational disruptions, and costly repairs.

Aviation experts attribute the rise in such incidents to environmental factors around airports, including open refuse dumps, water bodies, and rapid urban development that attract bird populations.

Despite wildlife hazard management efforts by airport authorities, such as patrols and bird-control measures, incidents continue to occur.

Air Peace emphasised its commitment to full compliance with regulatory requirements and the highest safety standards across its fleet. The airline said it continues to work closely with relevant authorities to address operational challenges while maintaining reliable service to its passengers.