Scandinavian Airlines Flight Diverted After In-Flight Meal Incident

A Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) flight traveling from Oslo, Norway, to Malaga, Spain, was forced to make an emergency landing after an unusual incident involving a mouse. The aircraft made an unscheduled stop in Copenhagen, Denmark, following the discovery of the rodent in a passenger’s in-flight meal.

According to a passenger, Jarle Borrestad, who spoke with the BBC, the mouse appeared when a woman seated next to him opened her meal. “Believe it or not, a lady next to me at SAS opened the food and a mouse jumped out,” Borrestad recounted, adding that the passengers managed to stay calm despite the unexpected situation.

Scandinavian Airlines spokesperson Oystein Schmidt confirmed the emergency diversion. He explained that the decision to land was in accordance with the airline’s safety protocols, as rodents can pose significant risks to flight safety by potentially damaging electrical wiring. “This is something that happens extremely rarely,” he stated, assuring that a comprehensive review with in-flight meal suppliers would be conducted to prevent future occurrences.

The passengers were transitioned to an alternate plane, and the incident resulted in only a minor delay to their journey. Schmidt emphasized the airline’s procedures for such rare incidents, ensuring the safety and comfort of passengers and crew are prioritized.

This event is similar to another recent disruption, involving a train service in southern England that was halted when two squirrels refused to leave a carriage. These incidents highlight the unusual challenges transport services can occasionally face due to unexpected wildlife encounters.