United Nigeria Airlines Strengthens Measures to Combat Bird Strikes

United Nigeria Airlines has engaged with the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria to address a recent surge in bird strike incidents that have disrupted operations and sidelined several aircraft. Over the past two months, four planes were grounded due to bird strikes, causing technical issues and affecting flight schedules.

The airline highlighted the operational and financial challenges these incidents create, noting that unexpected aircraft inspections disrupt schedules and inconvenience passengers. Limitations at some airports, such as restricted operating hours and inadequate runway lighting, were also identified as contributing factors.

Both the airline and airport authorities agreed that reducing bird strike risks requires coordinated efforts, including improved environmental and habitat control around airports and infrastructure upgrades. Plans include enhanced wildlife management and improvements to lighting and facilities at key regional airports.

Additionally, the airline requested land in Abuja to establish a local Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul facility, aiming to boost technical capacity within Nigeria’s aviation sector.

Officials described the engagement as a key step toward strengthening safety and operational resilience, emphasizing cooperation as essential to improving reliability for domestic air travel.