An Abuja-bound Air Peace plane, with registration number ES-SAZ, experienced a bird strike while landing at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport on Saturday, April 8, 2023.
The incident occurred during the Asaba-Abuja flight P47866.
According to the airline’s management, the aircraft, which took off from Asaba, Delta State capital, managed to land safely despite the impact.
Passengers onboard the aircraft disembarked normally, with no injuries reported.
“This is to inform the flying public and our esteemed customers that our Asaba-Abuja flight- P47866- had a bird strike upon landing in Abuja today, Saturday, April 8, 2023,” the airline said in a statement.
“While we deeply empathise with passengers whose flights have been consequently affected by this unforeseen development, arrangement was made for another aircraft to operate Abuja-Asaba, Asaba-Lagos and other flights on that rotation.
“Be assured of our strict compliance with established safety standards.”
Bird strikes are not uncommon in the aviation industry, and airlines have put measures in place to mitigate their effects.
Airports often employ bird control measures such as bird scaring, habitat management, and dispersal to prevent birds from flying in the path of aircraft. Aircraft engines are also designed to withstand bird strikes to some extent.
Despite these measures, bird strikes can still occur, and it is crucial for airlines to be prepared to handle such situations effectively.