Many reasons have been given for a flight being delayed, but passengers on an Iraqi Airways flight from Dubai to Baghdad were surprised to learn that their take-off had been delayed because a bear escaped from its cage in the cargo hold.
The incident happened last Friday and prevented the flight from taking off from Dubai International Airport while specialists arrived to euthanize and care for the bear, the New York Post reported.
Iraqi Prime Minister orders an investigation into how a bear escaped from a crate in the hold of an Iraqi Airways 737 at Dubai International Airport. pic.twitter.com/yoS4OWjsD5
– Breaking aviation news and videos (@aviationbrk) August 7, 2023
A video shared on social media shows the animal pointing the tip of its nose forward as the plane’s cargo hold is opened. A man then reaches out and pats his head before pulling it back.
Iraqi Airways asserted that the event “happened for reasons beyond the company’s control”.
According to the company, the security measures for the transport of the bear were carried out in accordance with the laws of the International Air Transport Association.
“The crew of the plane coordinated with the UAE authorities, who dispatched a special team to euthanize the animal and remove it from the plane,” the airline said in a statement.
“After we checked the aircraft and made sure there was no damage related to this incident, the flight returned to Baghdad.”
Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shayya’ Sabbar al Sudani has called for an investigation into the case to be launched.
Keep in mind that keeping wild animals as pets is popular with Baghdad’s wealthy elite.