United Nigeria Airlines has suffered its third bird strike in 48 hours and seventh since January as Flight UN0561 experienced disruption during take-off at Benin City Airport.
The incident occurred on Thursday, 16 April 2026, during departure from Benin City to Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, scheduled for 16:20 hours. The aircraft involved, an Embraer 190, sustained damage to the nose landing gear door linkage following a Bird Aircraft Hazard Strike (BASH).
Flight UN0561 Adds to BASH Affected Pile
As a result, the aircraft was immediately withdrawn from operations for detailed technical inspection and maintenance checks before any return to service. The decision aligns with established safety procedures applied consistently after each confirmed incident.
A spokesperson for United Nigeria Airlines, Chibuike Uloka, confirmed the Flight UN0561 development, noting that the airline only reports bird strike cases that result in aircraft grounding due to damage.
He stated that the recurrence of incidents within a short period is deeply concerning. However, safety standards remain uncompromised across all operations, and affected aircraft are subjected to full engineering evaluation before clearance.
The latest disruption adds to a growing pattern of bird strike events affecting the airline’s fleet in 2026. Therefore, operational pressure has increased as multiple aircraft have been temporarily removed from service within a short timeframe.
Meanwhile, aviation stakeholders have raised renewed concerns over wildlife hazard management at Nigerian airports. The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has been urged to strengthen bird control systems around active runways and improve environmental monitoring measures to reduce repeated occurrences. More information is available at https://www.faan.gov.ng
In addition, regulatory oversight remains a key factor in addressing aviation safety risks. The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) continues to enforce compliance standards across operators to ensure strict adherence to safety protocols. Further details can be accessed at https://www.ncaa.gov.ng
The airline has expressed regret over disruptions caused to passengers and acknowledged the inconvenience resulting from repeated service interruptions. However, it emphasised that safety remains the highest priority in all operational decisions.
A statement from the airline noted that engineering teams are working to minimise downtime and restore full fleet capacity as soon as possible. Affected passengers are being supported through rebooking and alternative travel arrangements.
The repeated bird strike incidents involving Flight UN0561 operations highlight ongoing concerns about aviation safety risks linked to wildlife intrusion. Consequently, industry observers continue to call for stronger alignment with International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) safety standards.
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