United Nigeria Airlines has grounded one of its CRJ-900 aircraft after it suffered a bird strike while landing in Abuja, marking the airline’s fifth bird strike incident in 2026 so far.
The incident occurred during landing at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport.
According to sources close to the airline, the aircraft was hit by a flock of birds, causing significant damage that forced the crew to declare an emergency and safely land the plane.
Fortunately, no passengers or crew members were injured.
This latest event has raised fresh concerns about aviation safety and the frequency of bird strikes affecting Nigerian airlines, especially United Nigeria Airlines, which appears to be experiencing more than its fair share this year.
Bird strikes are not uncommon in aviation, but five incidents in less than three months is unusual and worrying.
Industry experts suggest that several factors could be contributing, including the location of airports near wetlands or farmlands, seasonal bird migration patterns, and possibly insufficient bird control measures at some airports.
United Nigeria Airlines has not yet issued an official statement on the latest incident, but sources say the affected aircraft has been grounded for thorough inspection and repairs.
The airline is expected to work closely with aviation authorities to ensure the plane meets all safety standards before returning to service.
For passengers, this situation may cause some inconvenience, with possible flight delays or cancellations while the aircraft is out of service.
However, safety remains the top priority, and the airline is expected to prioritize passenger well-being.
The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has been urged to intensify efforts on bird hazard management at major airports.
Many travelers are calling for better radar systems, habitat control, and regular audits to prevent such incidents from becoming a recurring problem.
This fifth bird strike in 2026 for United Nigeria Airlines highlights the need for stronger preventive measures across the industry.
As air travel continues to grow in Nigeria, ensuring the safety of both passengers and aircraft must remain non-negotiable.