A flight faced delays when an un-ticketed passenger, believed to be a Eurasian tree sparrow, sneaked into the cabin at Hong Kong International Airport, defying animal transportation regulations. The Cathay Pacific flight bound for Kaohsiung, Taiwan, was disrupted as the bird flew through the cabin, prompting ground staff to act swiftly.
Video footage captured the sparrow darting past luggage compartments while staff coordinated efforts via walkie-talkies. A passenger in a white T-shirt managed to trap the bird with a blanket amidst applause from fellow travelers. Despite the incident, the Airbus A330 managed to depart 50 minutes behind schedule at 8:55 am and arrived in Taiwan around 45 minutes late at 11:10 am.
The online community found amusement in the incident, with one viewer joking, “I believe I can fly,” and another considering it an “alternative bird strike.” Cathay Pacific is yet to comment on the occurrence. This incident is not isolated, as back in 2019, a starling surprised passengers in business class on a Singapore Airlines flight to London Heathrow, captured on camera by an anonymous traveler.
The stowaway starling likely boarded the plane in Singapore, staying hidden until the flight neared its destination. Such instances highlight the challenges posed by wildlife to air travel, with the International Civil Aviation Organization recording 270,000 wildlife strike reports between 2016 and 2021. Most incidents occur during take-off or landing due to birds being more prevalent at lower altitudes.
