Onyema Raises Alarm as Bird Strikes Continue to Disrupt Airline Operations

By Benson Daniel

Nigeria’s aviation industry is facing growing operational and financial challenges as frequent bird strikes continue to threaten flight safety, disrupt schedules and increase maintenance costs for domestic airlines.

Chairman of Air Peace, Allen Onyema, disclosed that some airlines operating in Nigeria recorded as many as 50 bird strike incidents within a single year, describing the situation as one of the most overlooked challenges confronting the country’s aviation sector. Recent reports indicate that Air Peace alone experienced more than 50 bird strikes over a one year period, underscoring the scale of the problem.

According to Onyema, bird strikes have become a recurring operational risk capable of grounding aircraft for extended periods, leading to flight delays, cancellations and significant financial losses for airline operators. He explained that even a single collision involving an aircraft engine can result in extensive inspections, repairs or engine replacement, forcing airlines to suspend scheduled operations while affected aircraft undergo maintenance.

He noted that the financial burden extends beyond repair costs, as airlines also incur losses from disrupted flight schedules, passenger compensation, aircraft downtime and reduced fleet availability. These challenges, he said, place additional pressure on operators already grappling with high operating costs, foreign exchange constraints, rising aviation fuel prices and expensive aircraft maintenance.

Onyema stressed that effective wildlife management around airports is critical to reducing the frequency of bird strikes. He called for stronger collaboration among airport authorities, aviation regulators and environmental agencies to improve habitat management around airport environments and reduce the presence of birds near runways and flight paths.

Industry experts explained that bird strikes occur when aircraft collide with birds during takeoff, landing or flight. While many incidents cause only minor damage, collisions involving aircraft engines or critical components can have serious operational consequences and may require aircraft to be withdrawn from service until safety inspections and repairs are completed.

Stakeholders have urged airport authorities to strengthen wildlife hazard control measures through regular grass cutting, proper waste management, deployment of bird control equipment and continuous monitoring of airport surroundings. They believe proactive environmental management can significantly reduce bird activity within airport operational areas and improve flight safety.

Aviation analysts also emphasized the importance of investing in modern bird detection technologies and enhancing airport wildlife management programmes. They noted that many international airports have adopted radar systems, trained wildlife control personnel and specialised bird dispersal equipment to minimise the risk of aircraft collisions with birds.

Despite the growing challenge, Onyema reaffirmed the commitment of Nigerian airlines to maintaining the highest safety standards. He stressed that operators continue to comply with regulatory safety requirements, carrying out comprehensive inspections whenever bird strikes occur to ensure aircraft remain fully airworthy before returning to service.

He further called for greater investment in airport infrastructure and operational support systems, noting that improving safety measures would not only protect passengers and airline assets but also strengthen confidence in Nigeria’s aviation industry.

As passenger traffic continues to increase across the country, stakeholders believe addressing the persistent threat of bird strikes will remain essential to improving operational efficiency, reducing airline losses and sustaining the long term growth of the aviation sector.