Rats are often accused of deserting sunken ships but this may now be in their past if a story reported last week by Arab News is anything to go by. it would appear that the rodents have already abandoned ocean-going travel in favour of the high flying life of international jet setters.
Saudi Arabian Airlines Flight 1563 was cruising at 25,000 feet on the evening flight bound for the city of Tabuk in northwest Saudi Arabia when passengers noticed a large number of live rats. Eighty of the rodents were roaming freely throughout the cabin and causing some serious alarm amongst the passengers.
The rats were smuggled on board in a leather bag but had gnawed their way out. Having gained their freedom it seems that their next move was to seek an upgrade to First Class.
While the crew attempted to calm the passengers, the Captain immediately contacted Air Traffic Control at Tabuk airport. Specialist teams were standing by to deal with the infestation as soon as the aircraft touched down. They quickly established that the rats had been brought on board in a passenger’s hand luggage. A male passenger admitted to being the owner of the rats and was arrested by airport security and held for questioning.