Nigerian Airlines Report Soaring Costs from Frequent Bird Strikes
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Nigerian airlines report soaring costs and operational disruptions from frequent bird strikes, prompting FAAN to implement new wildlife mitigation measures.
Key Takeaways
- •Cost Nigerian airlines a reported $60 million from aircraft damage and downtime.
- •Grounded two United Nigeria Airlines aircraft in less than 24 hours in February 2026.
- •Concentrated over 60% of incidents at Lagos' Murtala Muhammed Airport (MMA).
- •Spurred FAAN to deploy new acoustic deterrents and habitat management strategies.
A recent spate of bird strikes, including two incidents involving United Nigeria Airlines aircraft in less than 24 hours, has highlighted the growing operational and financial threat facing carriers in Nigeria. The incidents, which grounded both aircraft for technical inspection, are part of a persistent and costly problem that disrupts schedules, strains fleet availability, and compromises flight safety across the country's airports.
The challenge is systemic, impacting all domestic operators. Bird strikes force airlines to absorb significant losses from aircraft repairs, flight cancellations, and the complexities of sourcing spare parts for an Aircraft on Ground (AOG) situation. The issue has escalated to a point where it is now a near-weekly occurrence, demanding a coordinated response from both airlines and regulatory authorities.
Industry-Wide Impact
The financial toll on Nigerian carriers is substantial. The Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON), the industry's representative body, reported that its members lost approximately $60 million to bird strike incidents in 2021 alone. Data from the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) shows a sharp increase in events, rising from 36 incidents in 2021 to 93 by September 2022. According to NAMA, Lagos' Murtala Muhammed Airport (MMA) is the primary hotspot, accounting for 58 of those 93 strikes, or over 60% of the national total.
Individual airlines have reported alarming frequencies. Air Peace, the country's largest carrier, recorded 49 bird strikes between January and September 2025, following 43 incidents in 2024. United Nigeria Airlines has experienced four strikes since the beginning of 2026. Following the latest events, United Nigeria Airlines' Chairman, Prof. Obiora Okonkwo, stated, “Bird strikes have become a major operational and financial challenge for airlines. This is an industry-wide concern that requires coordinated action.”
FAAN's Mitigation Response
The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), which manages the nation's commercial airports, has acknowledged the severity of the issue and is implementing new mitigation strategies. The agency has identified the prevalent species at MMA as black kites, which are attracted to the airport's proximity to residential areas. In response, FAAN plans to deploy 'Phoenix airport wailers,' an acoustic deterrent system that emits various noises and distress calls to create a 'no-fly zone' for birds.
According to FAAN's Managing Director, Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku, the authority is focused on collaboration and environmental controls to make the airport environment less attractive to wildlife. These efforts are part of a broader strategy to reinforce bird-scare tactics and curtail incidents. More information on these initiatives can be found on the official FAAN website.
Globally, bird and wildlife strikes are a recognized aviation hazard. According to data from international bodies like the ICAO and FAA, such incidents cause an estimated $1.2 billion in damage to aircraft annually. While most strikes do not result in catastrophic failure, they pose a tangible risk, particularly during critical phases of flight like takeoff and landing.
Why This Matters
The recurring bird strikes in Nigeria are more than just an operational nuisance; they represent a systemic risk to the country's aviation ecosystem. While the focus often falls on the immediate financial cost to airlines, the underlying issue is one of infrastructure and environmental management. In my view, solving this problem requires a sustained, data-driven national strategy that goes beyond individual airport measures. Effective collaboration between FAAN, NAMA, and the airlines is critical not only to protect assets but, more importantly, to uphold the integrity and safety of Nigerian airspace.
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Written by Ujjwal Sukhwani
Aviation News Editor & Industry Analyst delivering clear coverage for a worldwide audience. Covers flight operations, safety regulations, and market trends with expert analysis.
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