Bees Delay Flight at Greater Natal International Airport
In an extraordinary event, passengers aboard a Voepass Linhas Aéreas flight at Greater Natal International Airport (NAT) in Brazil faced a unique delay. On Wednesday, January 24, a swarm of bees descended upon their aircraft, an ATR 72, trapping them inside for over an hour after landing.
Unexpected Encounter with Nature
The flight, numbered 2Z-2351, had arrived from Fernando de Noronha Airport (FEN), touching down at NAT slightly ahead of schedule. This routine flight turned unusual when a colony of bees swarmed and attached themselves under the aircraft's wing as it taxied to the gate. The passengers, confined inside, watched anxiously as bees buzzed around and landed on the windows.
Everton Cesar, a passenger, recounted the tension onboard, "They began buzzing around the entire aircraft. We were taken by surprise." The flight crew, adhering to standard procedures, kept all doors closed and the air conditioning running, ensuring passenger safety.
Resolution and Safety Measures
The situation required intervention from the local fire department, who dispersed the swarm using a specialized liquid. Passengers were finally able to disembark around 14:00 local time. A Voepass spokesperson confirmed that the aircraft underwent further maintenance before resuming service.
Voepass's Safety Record
This incident at NAT follows a previous Voepass encounter involving a bird strike at São Paulo Congonhas Airport (CGH) over a year ago. Both incidents highlight the unpredictable challenges of air travel and the airline's commitment to passenger safety in diverse situations.
In the face of nature's unpredictability, this incident serves as a reminder of the agility and preparedness required in aviation. Voepass's response underscores their commitment to safety and effective crisis management in unforeseen circumstances.