Passengers travelling across United Nigeria Airlines’ network may face delays and disruptions following a fresh bird strike incident involving one of its CRJ-900 aircraft. The development has triggered an operational advisory from the airline, raising concerns over schedule reliability. The latest occurrence marks the fifth such incident recorded by the carrier since January 2026.
The aircraft, operating Flight UN0579, had departed Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport, Kano, at 18:15 hours on Tuesday, 14 April 2026, before suffering a bird strike during landing at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja. Read: Do Airlines Get Compensated for Bird Strikes
According to the airline, the affected aircraft has been withdrawn from service in line with strict safety protocols. It will undergo detailed technical inspection and necessary maintenance before returning to operations. Consequently, adjustments across the airline’s network are expected as fleet availability is temporarily reduced.
Anticipated Disruption on Network Schedule
The airline stated: “In line with our strict safety standards, the aircraft has been immediately withdrawn from operations for comprehensive checks. As a result, some flights across our network may not operate as scheduled; however, safety remains our highest priority.”
Meanwhile, United Nigeria Airlines apologised to passengers for the inconvenience caused. It emphasised that safety considerations outweigh operational pressures, especially in cases involving bird strike incidents, which remain a known risk in aviation environments.
In addition, the airline noted that this latest occurrence brings the total number of bird strikes affecting its operations to five within the first four months of 2026. It maintained that each case has been handled in full compliance with regulatory standards and established safety procedures.
The airline further reassured passengers of its commitment to operational reliability despite the disruptions. “We appreciate the understanding of our valued passengers and reaffirm our commitment to maintaining the highest standards of safety,” the statement added.
Bird strikes remain a persistent challenge within the aviation ecosystem, particularly during landing and take-off phases. According to global aviation bodies such as the International Civil Aviation Organization, wildlife hazards continue to pose operational and safety risks, requiring constant monitoring and mitigation by airlines and airport authorities.
Therefore, as United Nigeria Airlines works to restore stability across its network, passengers are advised to check flight status updates and maintain communication with the airline for real-time travel information.
