United Nigeria Airlines has reported operational disruptions across its network following two separate safety-related incidents involving its aircraft, prompting precautionary withdrawals for inspection.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the airline confirmed that one of its Airbus A320 aircraft suffered a bird strike during Flight UN0509 from Asaba International Airport to Murtala Muhammed International Airport. The incident, which affected one of the aircraft’s engines, led to the immediate grounding of the aircraft in line with safety protocols, resulting in disruptions to scheduled flights across its network.
The airline stressed that the decision to withdraw the aircraft was in adherence to its strict safety standards, noting that the aircraft would undergo a comprehensive inspection before returning to service.
In a separate development, the airline also confirmed a ground incident at the Lagos airport involving one of its Embraer 190 aircraft. The aircraft, which had arrived from Akanu Ibiam International Airport, was parked at the domestic terminal and preparing for another scheduled flight when a jet blast from a nearby taxiing aircraft displaced a baggage trolley.
According to the airline, the force of the jet blast caused the trolley to strike the parked aircraft, resulting in damage to external components, including the antenna and sections of the forward fuselage near the nose landing gear. The aircraft has also been withdrawn from service for detailed safety checks.
United Nigeria Airlines apologised to passengers for the inconvenience caused by the incidents, assuring that efforts are underway to minimise disruptions and support affected travellers. The airline reiterated its commitment to maintaining the highest safety standards, emphasising that all necessary inspections and corrective measures would be completed before the affected aircraft are returned to operation.
