Dubai: Its not uncommon to see passengers travelling with their pets, but would you ever expect as many as 80?
A photograph of 80 falcons perched on tables of an airplane has gone viral over the internet, after it was posted recently on Reddit by the username lensoo.
In the forum thread, lensoo said: “My captain friend sent me this photo. Saudi prince bought tickets for his 80 hawks.”
The post has received tens of thousands of like, and more than 4,000 comments in two days.
Dubai-based wildlife expert Dr Reza Khan however, inspected the photograph and confirmed to Gulf News that the birds are indeed falcons.
Travelling with falcons is allowed among Gulf carriers, who have also set their own falcon policies into place.
In a statement to Gulf News, Etihad Airways said: “The airline complies with the UAE pet travel regulations and UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment policies Mottobet for the carriage of animals and birds. The carriage in the cabin is restricted to falcons only and is permitted in the main aircraft cabin provided that all the necessary documents have been obtained.
“Other pets can travel in the cargo section or as manifest cargo provided the airline’s pet policy and UAE regulations on pet travel in and out of the country are met.”
On the website of Emirates, it stated that animals are not permitted in the cabin of Emirates flights, “with the exception of falcons between Dubai and certain destinations in Pakistan, and guide dogs for the blind.”
The website for the Dubai-based carried also stated that, “all other itineraries, falcons, cats, dogs and pet birds can be transported as checked baggage in the hold, provided the total journey time (including any transit time) is less than 17 hours, and all appropriate conditions are met.”
According to the Qatar Airways website, economy passengers can expect to share their cabin with as many as six falcons in their cabins.
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