Passengers of United Nigeria Airlines faced potential travel disruptions after a ground incident involving one of the airline’s aircraft at Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos.
In a statement released on Sunday, March 29, 2026, the airline explained that the affected aircraft, an Embraer 190 arriving from Akanu Ibiam International Airport on Flight UN0503, “was parked at an open bay between two adjacent aircraft belonging to sister airlines” when the incident occurred.
The airline said that “while preparations were ongoing to board passengers for another scheduled flight, a nearby aircraft, having completed its own boarding process, commenced taxiing. At the same time, another aircraft was executing a pushback onto the taxi line.”
During these simultaneous ground movements, United Nigeria Airlines reported that “the taxiing aircraft manoeuvred in a manner that generated significant jet blast within the ramp area”.
“The force of the jet blast displaced a baggage trolley belonging to a ground handling company, which subsequently made contact with the United Nigeria Airlines aircraft preparing for Flight UN0500, scheduled for 12:00 hours,” the statement said.
The impact damaged “external components, including the antenna and the forward fuselage area near the nose landing gear.”
Emphasising safety, the airline stated that “in adherence to our strict and uncompromising safety standards, the affected aircraft has been withdrawn from service for comprehensive inspection before returning to operations.”
United Nigeria Airlines reassured travellers that it “remains committed to upholding the highest safety standards” and apologised for the disruption, saying, “we sincerely apologise for any inconvenience this unforeseen development may cause to your travel plans and kindly appeal for the understanding and patience of our valued passengers and the general public.”
The airline added that its “team is working diligently to minimise disruptions and provide support to all affected travellers”.
