United Nigeria Airlines has lamented the rate at which it loses aircraft engines to bird strikes at Nigerian airports.
In a statement from its Public Affairs Office on Sunday, the airline claimed that it lost two Airbus A330-200 aircraft engines to bird strikes within 24-hours making the fourth engine lost to similar situation since January 2026.
The five year old airline stated that it suffered its latest bird strike at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport Abuja while preparing to operate a flight to Murtala Muhammed International Airport Lagos on Sunday February 15, 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 — has occurred on one of the engines of another Airbus A320 aircraft during the take-off of Flight UN0519 scheduled for 12:00 hours from Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, to Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, on Sunday, 15 February 2026,” the statement claimed.
The airline insisted that inline with its safety standards measured, the affected aircraft have been withdrawn from service for comprehensive technical inspections before returning to operations.
“In line with our strict and uncompromising safety standards, the affected aircraft has been withdrawn from service for comprehensive technical inspections before returning to operations,” it said.
The airline lamented that the withdrawal of the affected aircraft will no doubt lead to flight disruptions in its route network across the country, United Nigeria Airlines therefore called for understanding among its numerous passengers as efforts are on to ameliorate any inconveniences caused by the situation.
“This brings the total number of Airbus aircraft withdrawn from service in less than 24-hours to TWO (2).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,” it groaned.
Describing the recent bird strikes as another bird Strike too many, the airline has however, apologiesd for any inconveniences this unforeseen development may cause the travel plans of its passengers even as it sought the understanding and patience of the valued passengers and the general public.
The statement assured the public that ithe airline’s team is working diligently to minimize disruptions and to provide support to all affected travelers.
