United Airlines Bird Strikes Prompt Aviation Scrutiny

Nigeria’s aviation safety systems are under fresh scrutiny after United Nigeria Airlines confirmed a second bird strike in less than 24 hours involving one of its Airbus aircraft.

The latest incident occurred on Sunday during the take-off of Flight UN0519 from Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport en route to Murtala Muhammed International Airport.

According to the airline, the bird strike affected an engine on the Airbus A320, prompting its immediate withdrawal from service for safety inspections, consistent with global aviation risk-management protocols.

The development marks the fourth bird strike involving the carrier since the start of the year and highlights a growing operational challenge for airlines operating in high-traffic airspace and wildlife-dense airport environments.

United Airlines Bird Strikes Prompt Aviation Scrutiny. Image: United Airlines

With two Airbus aircraft now grounded within a day, United Nigeria Airlines said flight schedules across its network will face disruptions as safety checks take priority.

Aviation experts note that while bird strikes are a known hazard worldwide, repeated incidents within a short window raise broader concerns about airport wildlife control systems, runway surveillance, and the need for stronger preventive measures to protect both aircraft integrity and passenger safety.

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