United Nigeria Airlines has grounded one of its aircraft after a bird strike occured while landing from Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport, Kano to Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja scheduled for 18:15 hours on Tuesday, 14 April, 2026.

The flight UN0579 involved one of its operating CRJ-900 aircraft.

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In a statement by United Nigeria Airlines, it said in line with its strict and uncompromising safety standards, the aircraft has been immediately withdrawn from operations to undergo comprehensive technical inspections and any required maintenance before being returned to service.

“Consequently, some flights across our network may not operate as scheduled; however, safety remains our highest priority,” the airline said.

The airline apologized for any inconvenience the unforeseen development may cause to its passengers’ travel plans.

“While this marks the fifth bird strike involving our aircraft since January 2026, each occurrence has been managed in full compliance with applicable aviation safety regulations and established operational procedures,” the airline stated.

United Nigeria Airlines appreciated the understanding of its passengers and reaffirmed it’s commitment to maintaining the highest standards of safety and operational reliability.

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“We will continue to take all necessary measures to optimize our operations and exceed the expectations of our passengers.”

Ifeoma Okeke-Korieocha is the Aviation Correspondent at BusinessDay Media Limited, publishers of BusinessDay Newspapers. She is also the Deputy Editor, BusinessDay Weekender Magazine, the Saturday Weekend edition of BusinessDay. She holds a BSC in Mass Communication from the prestigious University of Nigeria, Nsukka and a Masters degree in Marketing at the University of Lagos. As the lead writer on the aviation desk, Ifeoma is responsible and in charge of the three weekly aviation and travel pages in BusinessDay and BDSunday. She also overseas and edits all pages of BusinessDay Saturday Weekender. She has written various investigative, features and news stories in aviation and business related issues and has been severally nominated for award in the category of Aviation Writer of the Year by the Nigeria Media Nite-Out awards; one of the Nigeria’s most prestigious media awards ceremonies. Ifeoma is a one-time winner of the prestigious Nigeria Media Merit Award under the 'Aviation Writer of the Year' Category. She is the 2025 Eloy Award winner under the Print Media Journalist category. She has undergone several journalism trainings by various prestigious organisations. Ifeoma is also a fellow of the Female Reporters Leadership Fellowship of the Wole Soyinka Centre for Investigative Journalism.

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