Griffon Vulture Delays Flight on Crete After Perching on Aircraft Wing

A flight scheduled to depart from Heraklion Airport on the Greek island of Crete faced an unusual delay when a griffon vulture decided to take up residence on its wing. The pilot discovered the large bird perched on the aircraft's wing just as the plane was ready for takeoff.

Despite the pilot's efforts to move the control surfaces and encourage the vulture to fly away, the bird remained stubbornly in place. Airport authorities were alerted, and emergency services, including the fire brigade, were dispatched to the runway.

Firefighters approached the vulture cautiously, using a ladder to reach the wing. After some effort, they managed to safely capture the bird using gloves and a jacket. One firefighter described the incident as "unprecedented," noting that the vulture was surprisingly calm throughout the ordeal. The bird was then handed over to specialists for examination, while authorities were informed of the peculiar event. Crete is known as a significant habitat for griffon vultures, with an estimated 140 breeding pairs on the island.