United Nigeria Airlines Records Fifth Bird Strike In 2026 As CRJ 900 Incident Raises Aviation Safety Concerns
United Nigeria Airlines records fifth bird strike in 2026 as CRJ-900 incident raises aviation safety concerns United Nigeria Airlines has recorded its fifth bird strike incident in 2026 after one of its aircraft, a CRJ-900, struck birds while landing at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja renewing concerns over aviation safety standards and wildlife hazard control at Nigerian airports.
According to a statement by the airline, the incident occurred during the landing phase of Flight UN0579, which operated from Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport, Kano, to Abuja. The aircraft encountered birds at approximately 18:15 hours while approaching the runway in Abuja, prompting standard safety procedures. The airline confirmed that the aircraft was immediately withdrawn from service for detailed technical inspection in line with regulatory requirements. The airline disclosed that this latest occurrence marks the fifth bird strike involving its aircraft since January 2026, highlighting a recurring operational challenge affecting its flight operations.Each of the incidents has required aircraft inspections and temporary grounding, resulting in operational disruptions across the airline’s domestic network. Following the incident, United Nigeria Airlines warned of possible disruptions to scheduled flights, as the affected aircraft joins others previously withdrawn for safety checks.
The airline expressed regret over inconveniences to passengers and assured that efforts were underway to minimize delays and restore full operational capacity Bird strikes continue to pose a significant risk to aircraft during critical flight phases such as take-off and landing. Aviation safety experts note that Nigerian airports, particularly high traffic hubs like Abuja, Lagos, and Kano, face ongoing challenges related to:
- Poor wildlife control around airport environments
- Inadequate habitat management
- Increased aircraft movement during peak periods
These factors collectively increase the likelihood of bird-aircraft collisions. Industry stakeholders have repeatedly called on aviation authorities, including the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), to strengthen wildlife hazard management systems.
- Improved runway wildlife surveillance
- Better environmental sanitation around airports
- Deployment of bird deterrent technologies
- Enhanced coordination between airlines and airport authorities
- Frequent bird strike incidents not only threaten safety but also impose financial pressure on airlines due to:
- Aircraft inspections and repairs
- Flight delays and cancellations
- Passenger compensation costs
- Reduced fleet availability
Analysts warn that repeated disruptions could affect airline reliability and passenger confidence if not urgently addressed.
The latest bird strike involving United Nigeria Airlines’ CRJ-900 aircraft underscores a recurring aviation safety challenge in Nigeria. As the airline records its fifth incident in just months, stakeholders are increasingly calling for stronger preventive measures to reduce wildlife hazards and safeguard the country’s air transport system.
