More than 250 travelers were left stranded after a giant rat caused chaos onboard a KLM flight returning from the Caribbean.
The KLM Royal Dutch Airlines aircraft was scheduled to fly back to Amsterdam from Aruba, via Bonaire, when the rodent made itself known mid journey.
Viral footage shows the rat scampering along the cabin’s curtain rails before leaping into overhead bins and passengers’ storage compartments, with the unexpected guest sparking a panic among vacationers.
A KLM spokesperson told RTL News it remains unclear how the animal got onboard.
“The rat was discovered over the ocean,” the spokesperson said. “Very unfortunate for the passengers who had to experience this.”
Because the aircraft was already over water, the pilot had no option but to continue the flight as normal.
Despite the scare, KLM said the situation was kept under control.
“Passengers remained calm, and the staff kept a close eye on the animal,” the spokesperson added, noting that the rat never came near the food.
Rat delays trips after plane mayhem
Once the plane arrived in Aruba, its scheduled return flight to Amsterdam was canceled.
“We canceled the return flight because the plane had to be cleaned specially and extra thoroughly because of the rat,” KLM confirmed.
More than 250 passengers waiting to return to Amsterdam or continue on to Bonaire were informed that the aircraft had been grounded. Travelers were provided overnight accommodation while the airline worked to arrange alternative flights.
Some passengers described the delay as “frustrating and unpleasant.”
It is not the first time animals have disrupted air travel. Earlier this year, a snake delayed a Virgin Australia flight and nearly forced an evacuation. In 2023, a cargo plane from New York to Belgium was forced to turn back after a horse escaped its hold mid flight.
The TSA has also urged travelers to stop smuggling animals through airport security after a woman was caught hiding turtles in her bra.
