An Air India flight from New Delhi to New York City had to return back to New Delhi shortly after takeoff as a bat started flying around the cabin in business class of the plane.
Once the plane was back at the Delhi Indira Gandhi International Airport, the staff contacted the wildlife department.
“On arrival, it was learnt that crew members saw a bat inside the cabin,” the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) officials told news agency ANI.
“Wildlife staff were called to catch and take away the bat. The aircraft landed safely at around 3:55 am and later it was declared Aircraft on Grounded (AoG).”
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The plane reportedly underwent a complete fumigation, after which the bat’s body was found from the business class cabin.
“The probable reason/cause may be loading vehicles like those for catering,” an Air India official told Business Today. “All the time rats/bats come from their vehicle.”
