United Nigeria Airlines’ Cancels Flight Due To Second Bird Strike In 24-hours, The Fourth Since January

The United Nigeria Airlines on Sunday 15th February 2026 said it recorded another bird strike on one of the engines of its Airbus A320 aircraft, less than 24-hours after a similar incident occurred on another of its Airbus aircraft during take-off.

In a statement on Sunday, United Nigeria Airlines said the incident occurred on Sunday (today) during a take-off of Flight UN0519 scheduled for 12:00 hours from Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (Abuja) to Murtala Muhammed International Airport (Lagos).

United Nigeria Airlines further disclosed in the statement that the incident was the second bird strike in less than 24 hours and the fourth recorded by the private Nigerian airline since the beginning of 2026.

“United Nigeria Airlines wishes to inform its valued passengers and the general public of a second bird strike in less than 24-hours, and the fourth since January 2026,” the statement reads in part.

“In line with our strict and uncompromising safety standards, the affected aircraft has been withdrawn from service for comprehensive technical inspections before returning to operations. This brings the total number of Airbus aircraft withdrawn from service in less than 24-hours to TWO (2).”

“As a result, some flights across our network will be disrupted and may not operate as earlier scheduled. United Nigeria Airlines remains firmly committed to upholding the highest safety standards.”

“This is indeed another bird Strike too many, however, we sincerely apologies for any inconveniences this unforeseen development may cause to your travel plans and kindly seek the understanding and patience of our valued passengers and the general public. Our team is working diligently to minimize disruptions and to provide support to all affected travelers.”

Per the exclusive investigation carried out by Saturday Independent, Nigerian airlines spends a minimum of N720 million ($1.5 million) to re­place its engines each time there is a critical bird strike incident.

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