Jet blast, bird strike disrupt United Nigeria Airlines operations

United Nigeria Airlines has confirmed disruptions to its flight schedule following two separate incidents: a ground accident involving a jet blast at Lagos airport and a bird strike affecting one of its aircraft in the air.

In a travel advisory issued on Sunday, the airline said an Embraer 190 aircraft was damaged while parked at the domestic terminal of Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos. The aircraft had just arrived from Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu, as Flight UN0503.

According to the airline, the aircraft was positioned in an open bay between two other planes when multiple ground movements occurred simultaneously. As one nearby aircraft began taxiing and another executed a pushback onto the taxi line, the combined manoeuvres generated a powerful jet blast within the ramp area.

The force of the blast displaced a baggage trolley belonging to a ground handling company, which then struck the parked United Nigeria aircraft. The impact damaged external components, including the antenna and the forward fuselage near the nose landing gear. The aircraft had been scheduled to operate Flight UN0500 at noon.

“In adherence to our strict and uncompromising safety standards, the affected aircraft has been withdrawn from service for comprehensive inspection before returning to operations,” the airline stated.

In a separate development, the airline also reported a bird strike involving an Airbus A320 operating Flight UN0509 from Asaba International Airport to Lagos on Sunday.

“Due to a bird strike on one of the engines of its operating Airbus A320 aircraft during Flight UN0509 from Asaba International Airport to Lagos, scheduled for 12:00 hours on Sunday, 29th March, 2026, some flights across our network will not operate as scheduled,” the airline said in a statement signed by its Public Relations Office.

The affected Airbus A320 was also withdrawn from service for comprehensive inspection, the airline added, reaffirming its commitment to the highest safety standards.

United Nigeria Airlines apologised to passengers for the disruptions and appealed for understanding.

“We sincerely apologise for any inconvenience this unforeseen development may cause to your travel plans and kindly appeal for the understanding and patience of our valued passengers and the general public,” the statement read. “Our team is working diligently to minimize disruptions and provide support to all affected travelers.”