United Nigeria Airlines recorded its fifth bird strike of the year after a CRJ-900 aircraft was hit during a flight from Kano to Abuja on Tuesday, April 14.

 

 

 

The incident, involving Flight UN0579, occurred as the aircraft was landing at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport.

 

 

 

In a statement released by the airline’s public relations officer, Chibuike Uloka, the company confirmed that the aircraft has been grounded for mandatory safety checks.

 

 

 

“In line with our strict and uncompromising safety standards, the aircraft has been immediately withdrawn from operations to undergo comprehensive technical inspections,” the statement read. Consequently, the airline warned that several flights across its network might face schedule disruptions as maintenance crews assess the damage.

 

 

 

The frequency of these incidents, five since January 2026, has sparked renewed concern among aviation stakeholders regarding airport safety and environmental management. Ornithologist Jalo Muhammad noted that birds are naturally drawn to the habitats surrounding many Nigerian airports, particularly those near wetlands or unmanaged grasslands.

 

 

 

“If an airport in an untouched area is not properly managed, the activities can attract most of those birds,” Muhammad explained, adding that species like kites and lapwings are highly adaptable and will remain near runways as long as food sources like rodents are available.

 

 

 

United Nigeria Airlines has apologized for the potential delays, maintaining that each strike has been managed in full compliance with aviation safety regulations. The airline emphasized that while the situation is unforeseen, the safety of passengers remains their “highest priority.”