A Delta flight was delayed over the weekend after video showed a pigeon flying around the cabin in the moments leading up to takeoff from Minneapolis. The unusual incident caused a brief but notable disruption, with passengers attempting to capture the bird and the flight being delayed for about an hour before it could depart. The pilot of Delta Flight 2348, a Boeing 737-800, confirmed the presence of the pigeon during the pre-takeoff checklist and decided to return to the gate for further safety checks.
Passengers onboard the flight, including a young girl who expressed interest in petting the bird, were kept informed throughout the situation. The pilot, who admitted to having no prior experience dealing with such an occurrence, expressed gratitude for the cooperation of both passengers and crew in resolving the issue. Delta Airlines, in a statement, praised the actions of its people and customers for safely removing the birds from the aircraft and apologized for the inconvenience caused to passengers.
The flight, which was operating out of Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport, carried 119 passengers and five crew members. The Airbus A220, known for its quieter cabin and fuel efficiency, was in the middle of its scheduled route to Madison, Wisconsin when the incident occurred. Despite the unexpected event, the airline confirmed that the incident did not affect the safety of the flight or its operational standards. The incident has since been widely shared on social media, with many passengers and aviation enthusiasts expressing both surprise and humor at the unusual situation.
While the event did not have any significant financial implications for Delta Airlines, it highlighted the unpredictable nature of air travel and the importance of maintaining safety protocols even in the face of unexpected challenges. The airline has since issued a statement emphasizing its commitment to safety and customer service, with staff trained to handle such unusual situations with care and efficiency.