United Nigeria Airlines suspends flights for one of its planes following collision with bird in Abuja

United Nigeria Airlines has acknowledged a recent bird strike incident involving one of its Airbus A320-200 planes, which occurred while landing at Abuja's Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, as reported by Nnasom David.

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The incident took place at approximately 15:45 on Wednesday, as Flight UN0515 from Port Harcourt International Airport was approaching the runway, resulting in damage to the aircraft's nose section.

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This latest incident marks the airline's sixth bird strike in 2026, prompting concerns about the frequency of such events and their potential impact on aviation safety and operational stability.

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In response to the incident, the affected aircraft was immediately removed from service to undergo a thorough technical inspection and maintenance before being cleared to resume operations.

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Additionally, another United Nigeria Airlines aircraft was grounded within a 24-hour period, bringing the total number of out-of-service planes to two.

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As a result of these developments, the airline has warned that passengers may face delays or cancellations across its network, and has appealed for understanding from its customers.

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According to the airline, safety remains its top priority, and efforts are currently underway to minimize disruptions and provide support to affected travellers.