A routine domestic flight operated by Delta Air Lines faced an unexpected interruption on May 24, 2025, when two pigeons were discovered inside the aircraft cabin prior to departure. The uninvited feathered guests resulted in the flight being delayed for nearly an hour, although all passengers and crew remained safe and the journey was completed without further issues.
Flight DL2348 was scheduled to depart from Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP) at 10:20 PM local time, heading to Madison Dane County Regional Airport (MSN). The flight was operated by an Airbus A220-300, configured with 130 seats, including 118 in economy and 12 in business class, and carrying 119 passengers along with a crew of five.
As boarding was concluding, a passenger noticed a pigeon inside the cabin. This prompted the pilot to inform ground control and decide to return to the gate to safely remove the bird. After the plane returned to the gate and the first pigeon was taken off, the flight prepared to taxi again.
However, during taxiing, a second pigeon was spotted flying freely down the airplane aisle, causing quite a stir. Passengers reacted with surprise, some laughing nervously while others attempted to catch the bird. A video circulated on social media showing a passenger reaching out as the bird darted about, accompanied by the sound of startled reactions from fellow travelers.
Eventually, a baggage handler boarded the plane and successfully captured the second pigeon alive, allowing the flight to resume. Though this added unexpected excitement for those onboard, no one was injured, and the crew maintained calm throughout the disruption.
Because of the two stops back at the gate to remove the pigeons, the flight took off about an hour later than planned, at 11:21 PM. The plane landed at Madison at 12:15 AM, arriving roughly 54 minutes behind schedule.
While the original flight duration from Minneapolis to Madison is approximately 37 minutes, the delay pushed the arrival well past midnight. This route is served exclusively by Delta, which offers up to four daily flights and about 27 flights per week, providing roughly 2,780 seats in each direction as of May 2025.
The Airbus A220-300 assigned to this flight bears the registration N310DU and joined Delta’s fleet in December 2021. This particular flight was its first of the day after spending over 24 hours on the ground following a previous flight from Houston.
This aircraft type replaced Boeing 737-900 jets on some Delta routes, including this Minneapolis to Madison connection, offering increased fuel efficiency and passenger comfort.
Bird strikes—when birds collide with airplanes—are a known safety hazard in aviation. They can cause severe damage, especially if they impact engines, windscreens, or other critical components during takeoff or landing. In rare instances, bird strikes have contributed to accidents.
This incident was unusual because the birds were inside the aircraft cabin rather than outside. Although this situation posed no mechanical danger, it created an unexpected operational challenge. The flight crew managed the event professionally, with the pilot reportedly joking with air traffic controllers during the second return to the gate, lightening the mood.
Delta permits passengers to bring small pets such as dogs, cats, and household birds onboard domestic flights, provided the animals meet certain age, size, and health requirements. Pets must be at least eight weeks old and travel in soft-sided, ventilated carriers that fit beneath the seat in front of the passenger. These kennels count as one carry-on item, and a fee is charged during check-in.
Other major airlines, including United, American, Lufthansa, and Air France, allow pets in the cabin under similar conditions. Notably, Etihad Airways has a unique policy allowing passengers to bring falcons onboard, catering to cultural practices from certain regions.
However, the pigeons found on Flight DL2348 were clearly not traveling pets but rather unwelcome stowaways.
The incident quickly drew attention on social media as passengers shared videos and stories of the airborne pigeons disrupting the flight. The lighthearted chaos onboard contrasted with the typical calm expected on commercial flights, giving passengers an unusual story to tell.
Despite the initial surprise and the delay, passengers expressed relief that the situation was resolved safely and efficiently. The cabin crew’s swift response helped prevent any further disturbance, ensuring the remainder of the journey was smooth.
Airports and airlines work diligently to mitigate bird hazards through wildlife control programs. Methods include habitat management to discourage bird presence near runways, use of deterrent devices, and advanced radar systems that monitor bird activity.
While these measures focus primarily on reducing bird strikes, this incident underscores that wildlife can sometimes find their way into unexpected places, such as inside the passenger cabin.
This rare episode involving two pigeons aboard a Delta flight from Minneapolis to Madison serves as a reminder that even in highly regulated environments, surprises can occur. The quick and professional handling of the situation ensured passenger safety and allowed the flight to resume without further incident.
Though the delay was inconvenient, the event provided passengers and crew with an unforgettable story and showcased the airline’s commitment to safety and customer care—even when facing feathered intruders.
