UNITED Nigeria Airlines (UNA), yesterday, recorded its fourth bird strike incident in one month with an attack on its Airbus A320 aircraft at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (NAIA), Abuja.

A statement by the Public Relations Officer (PRO), UNA, Chibuike Uloka, noted that the incident occurred during the take-off of Flight UN0519 scheduled for noon from Abuja to the Murtala Muhammed Airport (MMA), Lagos.

The first of the four bird strike incidents occurred in the first week of January 2026, while the second happened on January 14, 2026, at the Lagos airport. According to Uloka, the latest incident affected one of the engines of its A320 aircraft.

He said that in line with the airline’s strict and uncompromising safety standards, the affected aircraft had been withdrawn from service for comprehensive technical inspections before returning to operations.

The statement added: “This brings the total number of Airbus aircraft withdrawn from service in less than 24 hours to two. As a result, some flights across our network will be disrupted and may not operate as previously scheduled. United Nigeria Airlines remains firmly committed to upholding the highest safety standards.

“This is indeed another bird strike too many; however, we sincerely apologise for any inconveniences this unforeseen development may cause to your travel plans, and kindly seek the understanding and patience of our valued passengers and the general public. Our team is working diligently to minimise disruptions and to provide support to all affected travellers.”

Bird strikes have been a major challenge for Nigerian airlines at airports across the country.