A high-flying feline turned a routine Ryanair flight into an airborne spectacle after sneaking aboard a Boeing 737, delaying the journey for a full two days.
The Rome-to-Germany flight was moments from takeoff last week when crewmembers heard an unexpected meow from deep within the aircraft, Jam Press reported. What followed was a two-day game of cat-and-mouse—or rather, cat-and-mechanics.
Upon investigation, maintenance workers dismantled several panels, revealing the tiny black-and-white stowaway nestled inside the plane’s electrical bay. Photos captured the kitten peeking out like the star of an impromptu “Snakes on a Plane” sequel—only with fur and whiskers.
However, this mischievous meow-er wasn’t ready to leave. As workers tried to retrieve it, the cat darted deeper into the wiring, leading to a frustrating chase across the aircraft’s inner workings. Officials were forced to cancel the flight, fearing that a loose feline amid vital electronics could spell disaster mid-air.
The game of whack-a-meow finally ended when the kitten voluntarily strolled out of the plane through an open door, casually descending the stairs before strutting across the tarmac—turning the runway into its personal catwalk.
While passengers were grounded for 48 hours, experts say the delay was necessary. A rogue paw-ssenger tampering with electrical components mid-flight could have led to a catastrophic malfunction, potentially costing Ryanair thousands in damages.
This isn’t the first time a feline flyer has disrupted a flight. In 2021, a plane from Khartoum, Sudan, to Qatar had to turn back after a loose cat reportedly attacked the pilot mid-air.
As for the Rome-to-Germany escape artist? Reports suggest it was safely removed, but whether it made its way to a forever home or planned another high-altitude adventure remains a mystery.