United Nigeria grounds two aircraft after jet blast, bird strike incidents
United Nigeria Airlines has suffered operational disruptions following two separate safety incidents that have forced the withdrawal of two aircraft from service.
The airline confirmed on Sunday that an Embraer 190 was damaged in a ground incident at Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, after a jet blast from a nearby aircraft displaced ground equipment that struck the parked plane. In a separate development, an Airbus A320 was withdrawn after experiencing a bird strike on a flight from Asaba to Lagos.
The ground incident occurred while the Embraer 190 was parked at the domestic terminal after arriving from Enugu as Flight UN0503. According to the airline, simultaneous ground movements involving a taxiing aircraft and another executing a pushback generated a powerful jet blast in the ramp area. The force of the blast sent a baggage trolley belonging to a ground handling company into the parked aircraft, causing damage to the antenna and the forward fuselage near the nose landing gear.
The aircraft had been scheduled to operate Flight UN0500 at noon but was promptly taken out of service for inspection. “In adherence to our strict and uncompromising safety standards, the affected aircraft has been withdrawn from service for comprehensive inspection before returning to operations,” the airline stated.
Meanwhile, the airline reported that an Airbus A320 operating Flight UN0509 from Asaba International Airport to Lagos on Sunday suffered a bird strike on one of its engines. The aircraft landed safely, but the airline said it had also been withdrawn from service for a full inspection.
“Due to a bird strike on one of the engines of its operating Airbus A320 aircraft during Flight UN0509 from Asaba International Airport to Lagos, scheduled for 12:00 hours on Sunday, 29th March, 2026, some flights across our network will not operate as scheduled,” the airline said in a statement signed by its Public Relations Office.
United Nigeria Airlines apologised to passengers for the disruptions, assuring the public that its teams were working to minimize inconvenience.
“We sincerely apologise for any inconvenience this unforeseen development may cause to your travel plans and kindly appeal for the understanding and patience of our valued passengers and the general public,” the statement read. “Our team is working diligently to minimize disruptions and provide support to all affected travelers.”