Pigeon Pandemonium: Birds Cause Flight Delay on Delta Plane
Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport witnessed an unusual incident Saturday when a Delta Air Lines flight bound for Madison, Wisconsin, experienced a meaningful delay due to unexpected avian passengers. The flight was grounded not once, but twice, after two pigeons were discovered inside the main cabin, causing a stir among passengers.
The First Sighting
The initial pigeon sighting occurred before the plane’s scheduled departure. Tom Caw, a passenger on the flight, spotted the first bird. according to Caw, the pilot promptly addressed the situation.
Pilot saeid when he radioed the control tower about us coming back due to a pigeon, the guy said that was a first for him. Pilot told him it was the second time for him-the first being half an hour earlier.
tom Caw, Delta Passenger
The pilot announced the presence of the pigeon and returned the aircraft to the gate for its removal. This initial delay set the stage for further disruptions.
Did you know? Pigeons are known for their homing abilities and can navigate back to their roosts from hundreds of miles away. However, their presence inside an aircraft is far from typical!
Round Two: Another pigeon Emerges
Just as the flight was taxiing for a second takeoff attempt, a second pigeon made its dramatic entrance. Caw captured the moment on video, showing the bird flying down the aisle, much to the surprise and alarm of the passengers.
The unexpected appearance of the second pigeon triggered a wave of screams and commotion within the cabin. The flight was once again halted.
Delta’s apology and Response
Delta Air Lines issued a formal apology for the inconvenience caused by the pigeon-related delays. The airline emphasized the safety and care taken during the incident.
Delta appreciates the careful actions of our people and our customers to safely remove two birds from the aircraft prior to departure, and we apologize to our customers for the delay in their travel.
Delta Air Lines Statement
Caw noted that a baggage handler was responsible for removing the second pigeon from the aircraft, bringing an end to the airborne avian adventure.
Pro Tip: Always remain calm and follow crew instructions during unexpected events on a flight. Your cooperation helps ensure a safe and efficient resolution.
A Passenger’s Viewpoint
Caw humorously speculated on the pigeons’ motives, suggesting they were simply seeking refreshments.
My guess is the pigeons were tired of flying and wanted snacks.They didn’t know this flight to MSN is too short for Delta to offer beverage/snack service.
tom Caw, Delta Passenger
Frequently Asked Questions
How did the pigeons get on the plane?
The exact entry point remains unclear, but it’s speculated they may have entered during boarding or through open service doors.
Was anyone injured during the incident?
No injuries were reported as a result of the pigeon sightings.
What measures are being taken to prevent this in the future?
Airlines are reviewing procedures to ensure better bird control during ground operations and boarding.
