Manny Ita –
United Nigeria Airlines has recorded another aviation setback after one of its Airbus A320-200 aircraft suffered a bird strike while operating a flight from Port Harcourt to Abuja.
The incident, which occurred mid-operation, forced the aircraft to be grounded for safety inspections and necessary maintenance. Aviation authorities confirmed that the flight landed safely with no injuries reported among passengers or crew.
This latest occurrence brings the total number of United Nigeria Airlines aircraft affected by bird strikes to six since January, raising concerns about increasing wildlife hazards around Nigerian airports and their impact on airline operations.
Bird strikes—collisions between birds and aircraft—pose significant safety and operational risks, often leading to engine damage, flight disruptions, and costly repairs. Industry experts say such incidents are more frequent during certain seasons and are often linked to environmental conditions around airport vicinities, including waste disposal and vegetation that attract birds.
The airline is reportedly working closely with aviation regulators to address the issue, while calls have intensified for improved wildlife control measures at airports nationwide to reduce the frequency of such incidents.
The development adds pressure on airline scheduling and fleet availability, as repeated groundings could lead to delays, cancellations, and financial strain for operators already navigating a challenging aviation environment.
