Passengers aboard a Delta Air Lines flight from Minneapolis to Madison experienced an unusual delay on Saturday when two uninvited guests, pigeons, caused a disruption inside the aircraft cabin just before takeoff. The domestic flight, typically lasting around an hour, turned into a comedic scene as the crew and passengers attempted to wrangle the winged intruders.
The incident first came to light when a passenger alerted a flight attendant about the presence of a pigeon inside the plane. Social media user Tom Caw, who posted videos of the event, noted that the pilot soon made an announcement confirming the bizarre situation. “The pilot got on the mic and confirmed a pigeon was on the plane, and said he had no experience with the situation,” Caw shared. The bird was eventually caught and escorted off the aircraft by airport personnel, drawing applause from relieved passengers.
Second Bird Sparks Further Commotion
Just when it seemed the drama had ended, the Delta Air Lines aircraft began taxiing toward the runway, only for a second pigeon to emerge from its hiding place. More chaos ensued as the cabin erupted with gasps and shrieks while passengers attempted to guide the bird using jackets and makeshift barriers. A video captured the tense moment when the second pigeon swooped toward the back of the plane, eliciting a scream from one startled traveler.
The air traffic control team, clearly amused by the situation, was heard on audio recordings discussing the incident with the Delta Air Lines pilot. “There’s a pigeon on the airplane, and it won’t go away,” the controller repeated, chuckling. “That’s a first for me – wow.” The pilot, already seasoned from the earlier bird encounter, reportedly responded with humor, noting it was his second bird-related episode in just 30 minutes.
The aircraft was forced to return to the gate, where ground staff successfully removed the second pigeon. Only after ensuring the cabin was clear did the Delta Air Lines plane resume preparations for departure.
Delta Responds and Passengers React
Delta Air Lines issued an official statement acknowledging the incident and the delay it caused. “We appreciate the careful actions of our people and our customers to safely remove two birds from the aircraft prior to departure,” the airline said, offering apologies for the inconvenience.
Despite the unexpected delay, many passengers found humor in the ordeal. Caw, who documented the events online, joked about the birds’ choice of flight, remarking, “They didn’t know this flight to Madison is too short for Delta to offer beverage/snack service.”
The incident, though lighthearted, highlights the unpredictable nature of air travel, even before the plane leaves the ground. For Delta Air Lines and its passengers, this flight will be remembered more for its feathered stowaways than for the brief journey it was meant to be.
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