An IndiGo pilot stopped the aircraft after spotting a fox near the taxiway at Dhaka Airport in Bangladesh. Viral ATC communications quickly became a trending topic on social media.
A remarkable aviation incident took place at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh. A passenger aircraft belonging to IndiGo arriving from New Delhi was briefly halted after the pilot noticed a fox-like animal near the taxiway.
During the incident, which occurred on May 13, the Airbus A320 registered VT-IQZ operating IndiGo flight 6E1103 was taxiing toward the terminal when the crew noticed animals moving around the runway area. The radio communications between the pilot and the control tower, along with footage from the scene, quickly went viral on social media.
Pilot Requested Assistance From the Tower
The announcement made by the pilot to Dhaka Ground Air Traffic Control revealed the seriousness of the situation. In the viral audio recording, the pilot was heard saying:
“There is a jackal on the right side of the aircraft, approximately 30 feet into the grass. We are holding position. We will continue taxiing after the area is cleared.”
Following the report, ATC officials dispatched an inspection team to the area and instructed the pilot to remain in position.
Shortly afterward, the pilot reported that a second animal was also moving around the runway area and stated that both animals were now positioned in front of the aircraft. In response, the tower informed the crew that ground personnel in vehicles had been sent to the scene.
Inspection Team Found a Plastic Bag at the Scene
Footage circulating on social media showed a black vehicle carrying two airport personnel arriving at the location. While ground crews inspected the runway surroundings, ATC informed the pilot that no animals had been identified in the area.
A short time later, one of the personnel was seen picking up a plastic bag from the ground. After the inspection, the ATC officer informed the pilot:
“Personnel only found a plastic bag on the right side. No other object or animal was detected.”
Following the inspection, the aircraft resumed taxi operations.
Incident Became a Trending Topic on Social Media
The conversations between the pilot and the tower generated widespread attention across social media platforms. On X in particular, many users approached the incident humorously.
Some users compared the radio communications to online gaming lobbies, while others debated whether the animals near the runway were foxes or jackals.
One user commented:
“The ‘there are jackals on the runway’ announcement was complete aviation chaos.”
Another user wrote:
“They were most likely foxes. There was clearly confusion regarding the species.”
Security Debate at Dhaka Airport
Following the incident, many users highlighted the risks posed by wild animals around airports. According to experts, wildlife entering runway areas can create serious safety hazards, especially during takeoff and landing operations.
In aviation safety procedures, monitoring birds, wildlife, and runway surroundings is considered one of the most critical operational practices. After the incident in Dhaka, airport perimeter security measures once again became a topic of discussion on social media.
“Wildlife Hazard” Risk Returns to the Spotlight in Aviation
In the international aviation industry, wildlife-related risks—known as “wildlife hazards”—can pose serious threats to pilots, particularly during nighttime operations. Animals entering runway areas may cause engine damage and operational delays.
Although the incident in Dhaka did not result in a serious accident, it once again highlighted the importance of airport perimeter security for operational safety.
Editor’s Note
Although the incident in Bangladesh gained attention on social media due to its humorous side, it also served as a notable example in terms of aviation safety. The pilot’s decision to halt taxi operations after noticing suspicious movement demonstrated how carefully safety procedures are implemented in civil aviation.
Especially at busy airports across Asia, runway perimeter security has become one of the most critical aspects of operational risk management in recent years.
