Passengers at Dubai International Airport encountered delays on Friday when a bear managed to escape from the cargo hold of a departing Iraqi aircraft. The plane, operated by Iraqi Airways, was en route to Baghdad but faced an hour-long delay due to the incident. Travelers were asked to disembark as the bear was sedated and safely removed.
Prompted by the bear's escape, Iraq's prime minister has initiated an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident. While Iraqi Airways denied responsibility for the bear's breakout, the airline's crew collaborated with authorities in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to safely sedate and extract the animal.
A circulating video on social media depicted the plane's captain apologizing for the departure delay attributed to the bear's escape from its crate within the cargo hold. The unforeseen occurrence highlighted the complexities involved in maintaining passenger safety and efficient flight operations.
Iraqi Airways, in response, stated that the bear's transportation procedures adhered to international regulations, including those approved by the International Air Transport Association (IATA).
The bear was reportedly being transported from Baghdad to Dubai, as confirmed by an Iraqi Airways official. However, a video clip shared on social media contradicted this account, suggesting that the aircraft was running late for its journey to Baghdad and that passengers were asked to disembark temporarily.
Authorities in Iraq have struggled to regulate the keeping of predatory animals as pets, especially among the wealthy in Baghdad. The issue has raised concerns about the safety of both animals and citizens, prompting calls for citizens to report cases of wild animals being kept as pets or ending up in restaurants. Dubai International Airport, a prominent hub for international travel, declined to comment on the incident.
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