Fidelia Soriwei, Abuja
United Nigeria Airlines has grounded one of its aircraft after it reportedly suffered a bird strike while arriving at the Murtala Muhammed Airport, Lagos.
The incident involved an Embraer 190 aircraft operating Flight UN0523 on September 1, 2026, according to a statement issued by the airline on Wednesday.
United Nigeria Airlines said its maintenance team detected evidence of the bird strike during a routine post-flight inspection at 21:40 UTC, with damage identified on the aircraft’s right engine.
“Following standard post-flight inspection, our maintenance team identified evidence of a bird strike at 21:40 UTC on the right engine of the aircraft,” the airline said.
The carrier said the aircraft had been removed from service in accordance with its safety procedures and would undergo further inspection and maintenance before returning to operations.
“In line with our safety protocols, the aircraft has been withdrawn from service as it undergoes further inspection and maintenance. Our schedule will be impacted leading to disruption of some scheduled flights,” it said.
The grounding is expected to affect United Nigeria Airlines’ flight schedule, with some passengers facing disruptions as the carrier adjusts its operations.
The airline apologised to passengers affected by the development and said arrangements were being made to assist them.
“We are deeply sorry for the inconvenience this has caused to our valued passengers. Be rest assured that those affected are provided with full support,” it said.
United Nigeria Airlines advised passengers requiring additional assistance to contact its customer service team for further information and support.
Bird strikes remain a recurring aviation safety challenge for airlines operating in Nigeria, particularly during aircraft take-off and landing. United Nigeria Airlines has also reported other bird strike incidents in 2026, some of which reportedly resulted in temporary aircraft withdrawals and flight schedule adjustments.
