We're loading the full news article for you. This includes the article content, images, author information, and related articles.
A United Nigeria Airbus A320 is grounded in Port Harcourt after a bird strike, sparking chaos and renewing calls for better airport wildlife control.

Panic and frustration gripped passengers at Port Harcourt International Airport today as a United Nigeria Airlines flight was forced to abort operations following a mid-air collision with a flock of birds. The Airbus A320, a workhorse of the fleet, suffered a bird strike moments after takeoff, forcing the pilots to execute emergency protocols and return the aircraft to the tarmac.
The incident highlights the persistent and dangerous hazard of wildlife management at Nigeria’s major airports. While no injuries were reported, the psychological toll on passengers was evident. Witnesses described a loud bang followed by the terrifying sound of the engines struggling, before the captain’s calm voice announced the return. "It is the sound you never want to hear at 5,000 feet," one shaken passenger recounted.
United Nigeria Airlines acted with commendable swiftness, prioritizing safety over schedule. In a statement released immediately after the incident, the airline confirmed that the "precautionary inspections" were non-negotiable. The Airbus A320 is a robust machine, but a bird ingestion into the turbine can lead to catastrophic engine failure. Grounding the jet was the only responsible decision.
However, the ripple effect was immediate. Hundreds of passengers were left stranded, their travel plans in tatters. The airline scrambled to reschedule flights, but the chaos at the terminal served as a stark reminder of the fragility of the aviation network.
As engineers inspect the turbine blades for damage, the broader question remains unanswered: when will the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) fully secure the airspace around our runways? Until then, every takeoff carries an unnecessary risk, and today, United Nigeria Airlines paid the price for that systemic negligence.
Keep the conversation in one place—threads here stay linked to the story and in the forums.
Sign in to start a discussion
Start a conversation about this story and keep it linked here.
Other hot threads
E-sports and Gaming Community in Kenya
Active 9 months ago
The Role of Technology in Modern Agriculture (AgriTech)
Active 9 months ago
Popular Recreational Activities Across Counties
Active 9 months ago
Investing in Youth Sports Development Programs
Active 9 months ago