Key Takeaways:
– A Scandinavian Airlines flight from Norway to Spain underwent an unscheduled landing due to a mouse.
– The rodent emerged from an in-flight meal, prompting the detour.
– Passengers remained calm and were transferred to a different aircraft.
– The airline pledges a review of meal prepping processes to prevent future incidents.
A recent Scandinavian Airlines flight from Oslo, Norway, to Malaga, Spain, was forced to divert its path and execute an emergency landing in Denmark due to an unusual incident. A mouse, discovered aboard the aircraft, had scampered out from a passenger’s in-flight meal box, catching everyone’s surprise.
Unwelcomed Luncheon Guest
According to Jarle Borrestad, one of the passengers who was seated next to the affected woman, the mouse darted out when she opened her boxed meal. “It scampered out and scurried away,” Borrestad recalled in his conversation with BBC News. Despite the unexpected occurrence, Borrestad stated that everyone remained calm, and the situation was handled without any panic or stress.
Remaining attentive to the tiny intruder, Borrestad took precautionary measures to ensure it didn’t scamper towards him. “I quickly pulled my socks over my pant legs as soon as I saw it,” he remarked.
Safety Precautions Trigger Emergency Landing
In explanation of the unplanned landing, Oystein Schmidt, a spokesperson for Scandinavian Airlines, affirmed that such measures align with the company’s safety guidelines. Rodents, he clarified, can pose a significant safety threat, capable of damaging the plane’s essential wiring systems. “Mice and other rodents can gnaw through electrical wiring, posing potential safety risks,” Schmidt indicated.
The BBC, CBS News’ partner, concurred, highlighting the importance of staunch limitations for rodents onboard. Schmidt noted that instances like these are extremely rare, definitely not an everyday event for the airlines.
Taking Steps Towards Incident Prevention
Despite the unusual nature of the incident, the airline is taking it seriously. The company will be reviewing their in-flight meal suppliers to ensure incidents of this nature are prevented in the future. “We will be making sure our catering services are thoroughly audited to prevent this from happening again,” affirmed Schmidt.
Ensuring Passenger Convenience Despite Diversion
Subsequent to the Danish detour, passengers were assured of their journey continuity in another aircraft. Despite the initial shock and inconvenience, the detour only added a few hours to the journey duration. Borrestad noted that despite the situation, the delay was slight and the transfer to the alternative airplane was seamless and quick.
This incident is a stark reminder of the relentless checks and procedures airlines undertake to ensure passengers’ safety. As reflected in this case, even the most unlikely of scenarios, such as a mouse in a meal box, can lead to an emergency landing, further affirming airlines’ commitment to passenger safety.
In conclusion, airlines continue to adapt and ensure passenger safety in every situation, no matter how small or large. The unexpected stowaway in a boxed meal provided a unique challenge for Scandinavian Airlines, but they demonstrated professional management and will take further steps to prevent such incidences in the future.