A London-bound Air India jet was forced to return to Mumbai shortly after take-off due to the presence of a rat on board.
The stowaway pest was reportedly not found, but the jet will be thoroughly fumigated, according to local authorities, before it’s returned to regular service.
Rodents pose significant threat to air safety, as they can chew and gnaw through wiring, potentially causing the downing of an aircraft.
Air India and other airlines have been blighted by the presence of rodents on their aircraft in the past; back in July this year, a Milan-bound jet was forced to return to Delhi for the same reason. And in 2011, a Qantas flight turned back to airport after newborn rats were found on board.