Strange causes of flight delays revealed

17 March 2016 09:08

Strange reasons for flight delays have been revealed by a paper

Strange reasons for flight delays have been revealed by a paper

A number of travellers had a bad start to their week when their New Jersey-Texas flight was forced to about-turn on Monday (March 14).

A "strong" cabin smell was to blame for the Boeing 739's U-turn just 20 minutes into the air. An investigation has now started.

But The Telegraph reports that it is nothing unusual for a craft to turn around or not even get off the ground due to strange circumstances.

Diva behaviour, bees, human waste and "inflammatory" comments have all caused unwelcome delays, according to travel writer Lizzie Porter.

Flight delay comfort

There are numerous reasons why flights get delayed - and most of them are not as strange as bees or human waste.

But whatever holds up holidaymakers, it is good to know that trusted travel insurance can financially safeguard them against problems such as missed connections.

It can also cover travellers against cancelled journeys, lost luggage and stolen property.

Busy bees

Bees twice delayed flights last year, according to the newspaper.

In the first case in June this was bee singular. An insect delayed a flight after becoming lodged in an external instrument.

Six months later, a bee-keeper saved the day for passengers on another flight. The expert dispersed a 1,000-strong swarm which had infiltrated the aircraft's wing on the Dallas-Frankfurt flight.

Human waste

"Smelly" human waste was the reason for a Heathrow- Dubai flight doing a U-turn this time last year.

"Inflammatory" comments

And a Dallas Fort Worth-Chicago flight reportedly returned when one of its flight attendants broadcast "inflammatory" comments regarding a crash which were picked up over the plane's PA system prior to take-off.

Latest news

More
NEWS HOME NEWS ARCHIVE
Get a Quote
Even with medical screening it's quick and easy online.
Or call us on 0345 90 80 161
Get quote
Click here if you are a non UK resident or have already travelled.