United Nigeria Airlines has confirmed disruptions to its flight operations following separate incidents involving a jet blast and a bird strike affecting two of its aircraft.
In a travel advisory issued on Sunday, the airline disclosed that one of its aircraft was damaged in a ground incident at Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, following a jet blast from a nearby aircraft.
The airline said the incident involved an Embraer 190 aircraft parked at the airport’s domestic terminal after arriving from Akanu Ibiam International Airport on Flight UN0503.
“United Nigeria Airlines wishes to inform its valued passengers and the general public of a ground incident involving one of its operating aircraft at Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos,” the statement read.
According to the airline, the aircraft was parked in an open bay between two other planes when multiple ground movements occurred simultaneously.
“While preparations were ongoing to board passengers for another scheduled flight, a nearby aircraft, having completed its own boarding process, commenced taxiing. At the same time, another aircraft was executing a pushback onto the taxi line,” it stated.
It explained that the combined movements led to a powerful jet blast within the ramp area. “During these simultaneous ground movements, the taxiing aircraft manoeuvred in a manner that generated significant jet blast within the ramp area,” the statement added.
The airline said the force of the jet blast displaced ground equipment, which then struck the aircraft. “The force of the jet blast displaced a baggage trolley belonging to a ground handling company, which subsequently made contact with the United Nigeria Airlines aircraft,” it said.
The affected aircraft, which was scheduled to operate Flight UN0500 at noon, sustained damage to critical external components. “The impact resulted in damage to external components, including the antenna and the forward fuselage area near the nose landing gear,” the statement noted.
Following the incident, the airline said it withdrew the aircraft from service for further checks. “In adherence to our strict and uncompromising safety standards, the affected aircraft has been withdrawn from service for comprehensive inspection before returning to operations,” it stated.
In a separate development, the airline also announced disruptions to its flight operations following a bird strike involving one of its aircraft.
In a statement signed by the Public Relations Office of United Nigeria Airlines on Sunday, the airline said the incident affected an Airbus A320 operating Flight UN0509 from Asaba International Airport to Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos.
The statement read, “United Nigeria Airlines wishes to inform its valued passengers and the general public that, due to a bird strike on one of the engines of its operating Airbus A320 aircraft during Flight UN0509 from Asaba International Airport to Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, scheduled for 12:00 hours on Sunday, 29th March, 2026, some flights across our network will not operate as scheduled.”
The airline added that the affected aircraft had also been withdrawn from service in line with safety protocols. “In adherence to our strict and uncompromising safety standards, the affected aircraft has been withdrawn from service for a comprehensive inspection before returning to operations. United Nigeria Airlines remains committed to upholding the highest safety standards,” the statement added.
It apologised for the disruption caused to passengers and appealed for understanding. “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.
“Our team is working diligently to minimize disruptions and provide support to all affected travelers.”
