Loose Hamsters Ground A321neo

The aircraft remained out of service for several days.

A TAP Air Portugal A321neo (Photo: AirlineGeeks | William Derrickson)

[ News ]November 17, 2024 9:19 pm ET

By Ryan Ewing

A TAP Air Portugal Airbus A321neo was grounded for four days after a shipment of hamsters escaped from their cages, The Aviation Herald reported. 132 hamsters became loose with 116 located as of Sunday morning.

On Wednesday, the aircraft — registered as CS-TJR — operated flight 1865 from Lisbon to Ponta Delgada. Several animals were being shipped to a local pet store onboard the flight.

#Update footage showing one of the Hamsters on the cargo hold pic.twitter.com/EIzvz5d0pJ

— Air Safety #OTD by Francisco Cunha (@OnDisasters) November 17, 2024

While the flight landed without any issues, the return leg back to Lisbon was cancelled due to the escaped hamsters. The aircraft was later inspected for any damage and operated a ferry flight to Lisbon on Sunday.

The A321neo remains out of revenue service at the time of writing.

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Ryan Ewing

Ryan founded AirlineGeeks.com back in February 2013 and has amassed considerable experience in the aviation sector. His work has been featured in several publications and news outlets, including CNN, WJLA, CNET, and Business Insider. During his time in the industry, he's worked in roles pertaining to airport/airline operations while holding a B.S. in Air Transportation Management from Arizona State University along with an MBA. Ryan has experience in several facets of the industry from behind the yoke of a Cessna 172 to interviewing airline industry executives. Ryan works for AirlineGeeks' owner FLYING Media, spearheading coverage in the commercial aviation space.

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Author

Ryan Ewing

Ryan founded AirlineGeeks.com back in February 2013 and has amassed considerable experience in the aviation sector. His work has been featured in several publications and news outlets, including CNN, WJLA, CNET, and Business Insider. During his time in the industry, he's worked in roles pertaining to airport/airline operations while holding a B.S. in Air Transportation Management from Arizona State University along with an MBA. Ryan has experience in several facets of the industry from behind the yoke of a Cessna 172 to interviewing airline industry executives. Ryan works for AirlineGeeks' owner FLYING Media, spearheading coverage in the commercial aviation space.
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