An unexpected and somewhat chaotic event unfolded when more than 130 hamsters escaped from their cages in the cargo hold of a TAP Air Portugal Airbus A321neo on November 13, 2024. The incident occurred after the flight landed at Ponta Delgada Airport in the Azores, following its departure from Lisbon. The aircraft was carrying a shipment intended for a local pet shop, which included not only hamsters but also ferrets and birds.
.gif)
Upon arrival, baggage handlers discovered the extent of the escape when they found many of the small rodents wandering around the cargo area. An initial count confirmed that 132 hamsters had broken free from their damaged transport cages. This unusual situation forced the grounding of the aircraft, as hamsters are known for their ability to gnaw through various materials, including the sensitive wiring of an airplane, posing significant safety concerns.
The task of rounding up these tiny escapees proved challenging for the airport staff. The operation to recapture the hamsters stretched over several days, with workers employing various methods to lure and trap the animals. By Sunday, November 17, 2024, all but 16 hamsters had been accounted for, showing the difficulties in capturing such small and agile creatures in the confined space of an aircraft's cargo hold.
TAP Air Portugal, while not commenting officially on the incident, faced delays in resuming operations with this particular plane due to the need for a thorough inspection to ensure no hamsters remained hidden within the aircraft's structure. The potential for damage by the rodents to critical systems meant that every nook and cranny had to be checked before the plane could be cleared for its return flight to Lisbon. This incident brings to light the complexities involved in transporting live animals, especially when it involves multiple species and strict adherence to transport regulations. It underscores the need for robust checks and balances to ensure that cages and containers are secure enough to withstand the vibrations and movements of flight travel. The escapade of these hamsters not only delayed flights but also highlighted issues of animal welfare and safety in air transport, prompting a review of procedures by TAP Air Portugal and potentially other airlines dealing with live animal cargo.