Lagos, Nigeria: United Nigeria Airlines faced significant operational disruption after two separate incidents, a jet blast-induced ground accident and a bird strike forced the airline to withdraw two aircraft from service within hours on March 29, 2026.
According to a travel advisory issued by the airline, the first incident occurred at Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, involving an Embraer 190 aircraft that had earlier arrived from Akanu Ibiam International Airport as Flight UN0503.
The aircraft was parked at the domestic terminal in an open bay between two other aircraft and was being prepared for its next scheduled service, Flight UN0500. During this time, multiple aircraft movements took place simultaneously on the ramp.
The airline explained that while one nearby aircraft had begun taxiing after completing boarding, another aircraft was executing a pushback onto the taxiway. The combined movements generated a powerful jet blast in the ramp area.
The force of the jet blast displaced ground handling equipment, specifically a baggage trolley, which was blown into the parked Embraer 190. The impact caused damage to critical external components, including the antenna and the forward fuselage near the nose landing gear.
Following the incident, the aircraft was immediately withdrawn from service for comprehensive inspection in line with safety protocols, the airline said.
In a separate development on the same day, the airline reported a bird strike involving an Airbus A320 operating Flight UN0509 from Asaba to Lagos. The incident occurred during the flight when a bird struck one of the aircraft’s engines.
The airline did not report any injuries, but confirmed that the affected aircraft was also grounded for detailed checks and maintenance as a precautionary measure.
United Nigeria Airlines stated that the back-to-back incidents led to disruptions across its network, with several flights delayed or cancelled. The airline apologised to passengers, noting that teams were working to minimise the impact and assist affected travellers.
The airline emphasised that both decisions to withdraw the aircraft were guided by its “strict and uncompromising safety standards,” reaffirming its commitment to operational safety despite the disruptions.
