Passengers stranded as United Nigeria grounds aircraft after bird strike

NCAA spokesperson, Michael Achimugu, addressing angry passengers at the Abuja airport. Photo: x/Michael Achimugu,

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Passengers across several United Nigeria Airlines routes departing Abuja were on Thursday left stranded and frustrated after a bird strike on one of the carrier’s aircraft triggered multiple flight cancellations.

In a video sighted by our correspondent, a crowd of passengers was seen protesting at the domestic wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, accusing the airline of neglect and poor communication.

Another video showed the spokesperson of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, Michael Achimugu, addressing the agitated passengers in an effort to restore calm.

A bird strike is an aviation incident that occurs when an aircraft collides with a bird or, occasionally, other wildlife during takeoff or landing.

While many such incidents cause minimal damage, they can also result in significant structural harm, engine failure, and, in rare cases, catastrophic accidents. Airlines often delay or cancel operations pending safety inspections after such events.

Reacting in a post via his verified X handle, Achimugu explained that the NCAA intervened to prevent further escalation at the terminal.

“To avert further disaster at the domestic wing of the Abuja airport, my team and I rushed to the terminal where I addressed over one hundred passengers scheduled to fly Abuja–Owerri via United Nigeria Airline,” he said.

He confirmed that the airline’s aircraft had suffered a bird strike, which necessitated the cancellation. However, the delay in communication from the airline further fueled tensions among passengers.

He added, “Passengers became irate, and some turned violent. One of them destroyed laptops belonging to the airline, assaulted their staff, and injured a FAAN AVSEC personnel.

“For the lack of timely and proper communication, the airline has agreed to give passengers 15 per cent compensation on their next flight while rescheduling their Owerri-bound travel to 10 a.m. tomorrow,” he added.

“We also instructed the airline to send an email to passengers by 4 p.m. today. Had the airline addressed customers in a transparent and timely manner, the chaos would have been avoided.”

Achimugu further noted that the NCAA has repeatedly advised airlines to improve communication with passengers, especially during the disruption-prone month of December.

He assured that the Authority would monitor UNA’s compliance until all affected travellers reach their destinations.

Meanwhile, United Nigeria Airlines, in a statement, confirmed the disruptions, attributing them to a bird strike on one of its operating aircraft.

In a statement issued by its Corporate Communications Unit on Thursday, the airline informed passengers and the travelling public that “due to a bird strike on one of our operating aircraft, some flights across our network will not operate as scheduled.”

The affected aircraft has been grounded to undergo mandatory technical checks in line with the airline’s safety protocols.

According to the statement, “As a result, and in strict adherence to our safety standards, the affected aircraft has been withdrawn from service for comprehensive inspection before returning it to service.”

The airline reassured customers of its commitment to passenger and operational safety, stressing that “United Nigeria Airlines remains committed to upholding the highest safety standards.”

It also appealed for the patience and understanding of travellers affected by the disruption.

“We sincerely apologise for the inconveniences this unforeseen development may cause to your travel plans and kindly appeal for the understanding and patience of our valued passengers.

“Our team is working diligently to minimise disruptions and to support all affected travellers with timely updates and rebooking assistance,” the statement added.

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