Flight makes emergency landing after mouse escapes from meal box

A Scandinavian Airlines flight, traveling from Oslo, Norway to Malaga, Spain, made an emergency landing in Denmark after a mouse unexpectedly emerged from a passenger’s meal.

The incident occurred during a routine flight, where passenger Jarle Borrestad was seated next to a woman who had just opened her boxed meal when the mouse scampered out, triggering surprise among those nearby.

In a bid to prevent the mouse from scurrying up his pant legs, Borrestad quickly pulled his socks over his trousers, but he noted that overall, the passengers remained calm in the unusual situation. He remarked that nobody appeared to be stressed.

An airline spokesperson, Oystein Schmidt, confirmed that the flight’s diversion to Copenhagen was in accordance with company policy, as the presence of mice can create safety hazards onboard. Rodents are particularly concerning because they can damage essential equipment like electrical wiring.

Schmidt emphasized that such incidents are exceedingly rare, stating, “This is something that happens extremely rarely.” He also mentioned that the airline would conduct a review of its food suppliers to ensure similar occurrences could be prevented in the future.

After landing in Copenhagen, passengers were transferred to another aircraft to continue their journey to Spain. Borrestad mentioned that the delay added just a few hours to their travel time, which was a relatively minor inconvenience given the surprising circumstances.

The occurrence has prompted discussions around in-flight meal safety and pest control, highlighting the importance of rigorous inspections and protocols within the airline industry. Passengers expressed a mix of amusement and disbelief at the incident, with some sharing their thoughts on social media.

Although the airline has policies in place to minimize such risks, the unexpected visitor has shed light on the challenges that can arise with catering and food services at high altitudes. It serves as a reminder of the thorough vetting required for onboard meals to prevent any unwanted surprises for both passengers and crew.

As the story circulates, it may influence how airlines approach food safety and pest management in the future, as customer safety and satisfaction remain top priorities. Keeping flights comfortable and free from uninvited wildlife sources is essential for maintaining trust in air travel.

The incident underscores the unpredictability of flying and how quickly a routine journey can take an unexpected turn. The passengers involved will no doubt have a story to tell for years to come, merging humor with a moment of genuine concern over their unexpected airborne guest.