Bird Strikes, Limited Airport Hours Worsen Flight Disruptions – United Nigeria

United Nigeria Airlines has attributed recurring flight delays and cancellations in Nigeria’s aviation sector to operational limitations at several airports, including sunrise-to-sunset restrictions, the status of Category II airports, and limited operating hours.

The chairman of United Nigeria Airlines, Prof Obiora Okonkwo, made this known during a strategic meeting with the Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN),  Olubunmi Kuku, in Lagos.

The meeting focused on strengthening collaboration across environmental safety, Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) support, airport operating hours, infrastructure upgrades, and the airline’s expansion plans.

Okonkwo highlighted the growing incidence of bird strikes, describing them as a significant operational and financial burden on airlines. He noted that the situation has compounded existing infrastructure and scheduling challenges nationwide.

The airline chairman also raised concerns about the increasing number of unruly passenger incidents, calling for stricter enforcement of regulations to safeguard crew and passengers.

In addition, he formally requested land allocation in Abuja for United Nigeria Airlines to develop a dedicated Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facility, aimed at boosting local aircraft maintenance capacity.

In her response, FAAN’s managing director emphasised that stronger collaboration between airlines and airport authorities remains critical to enhancing safety and operational efficiency.

She disclosed that FAAN had identified key causes of bird strikes and is implementing environmental control measures, including improved grass and habitat management around airports and strengthened corporate environmental responsibility initiatives.

FAAN also announced plans to upgrade airfield lighting at Category II airports to enable extended flight operations. The authority revealed that apron and lighting improvements are underway at Benin Airport, while similar lighting upgrades are planned for Jos Airport.

The agency further pledged stricter enforcement against unruly passengers and expressed readiness to review United Nigeria Airlines’ request for land in Abuja for the proposed MRO facility, with a commitment to fast-track the process as part of efforts to deepen local maintenance capacity.

Also speaking, the executive director of United Nigeria Airlines stressed that sustained cooperation between airlines and airport authorities remains essential for the safe, efficient, and sustainable growth of Nigeria’s aviation industry.