Rodents suffer in flight diversion due to poor airport conditions.
However, the flight was diverted due to bad weather. The rodents were then taken to a nearby airport, where they were left to wait for the weather to clear up. The rodents were kept in a small, cramped space with limited ventilation, leading to a buildup of ammonia in the air. The conditions were not ideal for the rodents, and they began to suffer from respiratory problems.
The Flight from Lisbon to Ponta Delgada
The rodents were originally scheduled to fly from Lisbon, Portugal to Ponta Delgada, the capital city of the Azores archipelago. The flight was supposed to take around 2 hours, but it was diverted due to bad weather. The weather conditions were severe, with strong winds and heavy rain, making it impossible for the plane to land safely in Ponta Delgada.
The Diversion and the Airport Stop
The flight was diverted to a nearby airport, where the rodents were left to wait for the weather to clear up. The airport was not equipped to handle the rodents, and they were kept in a small, cramped space with limited ventilation.
The Rodent Infestation
The Airbus A321neo, a modern commercial airliner, had been grounded at Ponta Delgada Airport in the Azores due to a rodent infestation. The aircraft, operated by TAP Air Portugal, had been in service since 2018 and had accumulated over 1,000 flight hours. However, the presence of rodents on board raised concerns about the safety and hygiene of the aircraft.
The Discovery
The maintenance staff discovered the hamsters in the aircraft’s cargo hold, which is typically used for storing luggage and cargo. The rodents were found to be hiding in a shipment of luggage, and it is believed that they had been introduced to the aircraft through a faulty ventilation system. The hamsters were estimated to be around 6-8 months old and were found to be in good health. The maintenance staff took steps to humanely euthanize the rodents to prevent any potential health risks to passengers. The aircraft was then thoroughly cleaned and disinfected to remove any remaining rodent droppings or urine.
The Aftermath
The rodent infestation was a major concern for the airline and the airport authorities. The aircraft was grounded for several days, causing disruptions to flights and passenger schedules. The incident highlighted the importance of regular maintenance and inspections to prevent such infestations.
The hamsters were then transported to the Azores Islands, where they were kept in a facility for a period of time before being released into the wild.
The Great Hamster Escape
Background
The Great Hamster Escape was a series of events that took place in 2019, involving the transportation of hamsters from Portugal to the Azores Islands. The incident began when a group of hamsters were placed in boxes and transported from Lisbon to Ponta Delgada, the capital of the Azores Islands.
The Journey Begins
The hamsters were first transported to Lisbon, where they were placed in boxes designed to mimic their natural habitat. The boxes were then loaded onto a flight to Ponta Delgada, but the hamsters were not accepted on a separate flight out of Lisbon due to non-compliance with hold requirements. The containers were not considered to be compliant with hold requirements, which led to the hamsters being left behind in Lisbon.
The incident occurred on a Thai Airways flight, which was carrying 157 passengers and crew members. The rat, measuring 30 cm in length, was found in the overhead bin of an economy class seat. The flight attendants were surprised to discover the unusual creature, and they immediately notified the pilots and airport authorities.
The Unlikely Passenger
The giant albino rat was a rare and unusual sight, and it sparked a mix of reactions from the passengers. Some were frightened, while others were fascinated by the unexpected visitor. The rat’s unusual appearance and size made it a topic of conversation among the passengers, with many taking photos and videos to share on social media. The rat’s unusual characteristics, such as its lack of pigmentation and its large size, made it a subject of interest among the passengers. Some passengers were concerned about the rat’s presence on the flight, worrying about the potential health risks it posed. Others were more curious, asking the flight attendants and pilots about the rat’s origin and how it ended up on the flight.
The Response of the Authorities
The authorities were quick to respond to the situation, and they took immediate action to ensure the safety of the passengers and crew. The pilots and flight attendants worked together to safely remove the rat from the aircraft, and they notified the airport authorities about the incident. The airport authorities were informed about the rat’s presence on the flight, and they sent a team to the airport to collect the rat. The team was equipped with specialized equipment to safely capture and transport the rat.
