Key Highlights
- An SAS A320neo aircraft made a mid-flight U-turn due to a stowaway mouse.
- The flight was delayed by over three hours as it returned to Stockholm for safety reasons.
- This incident is not the first time an SAS aircraft has encountered such a situation.
- Rodents pose significant risks in aviation, including potential damage to critical components and electrical issues.
Unexpected Rodent Diverts A320neo
On February 7, 2026, an Airbus A320neo operated by SAS faced a peculiar challenge mid-flight from Stockholm Arlanda to Malaga. The flight turned around after a mouse was spotted onboard, causing a significant delay of over three hours.
The decision to return to the departure airport was made due to safety concerns. Rodents can pose serious risks, including chewing through critical wiring and components, leading to potential electrical issues or even fires. This is not an isolated incident; SAS has faced similar situations before.
Previous Incidents: A Familiar Script
Back in September 2024, another A320neo flying from Oslo to Malaga had to make a mid-air U-turn after discovering a mouse hiding in passenger meals. This time the flight landed in Copenhagen for safety checks.
The airline took this incident seriously and stated that the aircraft would be thoroughly inspected, while catering suppliers were also reviewed. Both incidents underscore the critical importance of rodent prevention measures in aviation to ensure safe operations.
Rodents in Airports: A Persistent Threat
While less common, rodents can cause significant disruptions both on airplanes and at airports. Large airport infrastructures house extensive wiring networks that are vulnerable to damage from pests. An infestation incident in 2023 at Manchester Airport highlighted the risks, with multiple staff reports of rodent sightings.
Even a single mouse can lead to delays and costly repairs.
The airline industry invests heavily in pest control measures but cannot completely eliminate these threats. It’s a constant battle to maintain safety standards amidst such unpredictable hazards.
Conclusion
Rodents may seem like small pests, but they can cause big disruptions in aviation. This recent SAS incident is just the latest example of how critical it is for airlines to have robust pest control strategies. While not always preventable, these events remind us that safety remains a top priority, even when dealing with the unexpected.
