Passengers traveling with United Nigeria Airlines on Thursday faced major delays and cancellations after a bird strike on one of the airline’s aircraft triggered a cascade of operational disruptions.
Videos circulating online show stranded and frustrated passengers protesting at the domestic wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, accusing the airline of poor communication and neglect as flights were abruptly halted.
Another clip captured NCAA spokesperson, Michael Achimugu, addressing the visibly agitated crowd in an attempt to restore order and provide clarity on the situation.
A bird strike occurs when an aircraft collides with a bird—often during takeoff or landing. While sometimes minor, such incidents can cause serious structural damage, engine issues, and require immediate safety inspections, leading airlines to delay or cancel flights as a precaution.
Responding via his verified X handle, Achimugu said the authority stepped in to prevent the situation from escalating:
“To avert further disaster at the domestic wing of the Abuja airport, my team and I rushed to the terminal where I addressed over one hundred passengers scheduled to fly Abuja–Owerri via United Nigeria Airline.”
Tensions remain high as passengers await updates on rescheduled flights and next steps from the airline.
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