United Nigeria presses FAAN on rising bird strikes

By Dickson Omobola

United Nigeria Airlines has expressed concern over the rising incidence of bird strikes, saying it is a major operational and financial challenge for airlines.

Recently, the airline has suffered a series of bird strikes. One incident occurred over the weekend when its Airbus A320 aircraft was involved in a bird strike during the take-off of Flight UN0523 from Asaba International Airport to Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, scheduled for 17:00.

Another incident happened less than 24 hours later, when one of the engines of its Airbus A320 aircraft was affected during the take-off of Flight UN0519, scheduled for 12:00 hours, from Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, to Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos.

Chairman of the airline, Professor Obiora Okonkwo, said this during a strategic meeting with the Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, Mrs Olubunmi Kuku, held at FAAN headquarters in Lagos.

The meeting was aimed at strengthening collaboration and addressing issues relating to aviation environmental safety, MRO support, airport operating hours, infrastructure upgrades and the growth plans of United Nigeria Airlines.

A statement by the airline’s Public Relations Officer, Chibuike Uloka, said the FAAN Managing Director identified the major causes of bird strikes and is implementing environmental measures, including improved grass and habitat management, while also strengthening corporate responsibility around airport environments.

She also announced plans to upgrade airfield lighting at Category II airports to support extended operations, with apron and lighting improvements at Benin Airport, as well as lighting upgrades in Jos.

The statement reads: “Okonkwo also highlighted the constraints of sunrise and sunset airports, state of category II airports, noting that limited operating hours and lack of adequate facilities often disrupt schedules and cause delays. He flagged the increasing issue of unruly passenger behaviour. Additionally, a request for land allocation for the development of a Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul, MRO, facility by United Nigeria Airlines in Abuja was made.

“FAAN MD, Kuku, emphasised collaboration as key to improving safety and efficiency. She said FAAN has identified major causes of bird strikes and is implementing environmental measures, including improved grass and habitat management, while also strengthening corporate responsibility around airport environments.”

According to the statement, FAAN also expressed willingness to review the proposed Abuja MRO land request with hope to fast-track the allocation as part of efforts to strengthen local aircraft maintenance capacity

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