Hamsters escape!

On 13 November 2024, a TAP Air Portugal Airbus A321neo flew from Lisbon to Ponta Delgada in the Azores, carrying passengers plus a cargo shipment of 132 hamsters, along with ferrets and birds destined for a pet store. The hamsters apparently chewed through their transport crates and escaped into the cargo hold, with the escape discovered after landing. Upon landing, the ground crew discovered the empty, damaged cages. For safety reasons, the aircraft was grounded after arrival because rodents could chew on the electrical wiring. Airport staff spent the next four days recapturing the hamsters. Once all 132 were reportedly accounted for, the plane was flown back empty to Lisbon on a special flight for further inspection. No injuries to passengers or crew were reported, and the hamsters were reportedly captured.