Bear being transported on Iraqi Airways flight escapes crate

Passengers traveling with Iraqi Airways from Dubai to Baghdad were left roaring mad after their flight was delayed because of a bear that had broken out of its crate in the cargo hold.

The bizarre incident occurred Friday, leaving the flight stranded on the tarmac at Dubai International Airport while animal specialists were called in to sedate and remove the rogue bear.

A video shared by the United Arab Emirates newspaper The National appeared to show the furry predator walking around the plane’s cargo compartment. A man is seen reaching his hand into the hold and petting the large animal on the head.

The species of the bear was not immediately identified.

Another recording circulating on social media showed the plane’s captain apologizing to passengers for the delay because of the bear’s escape.

Iraqi Airways insisted that it was not to blame for the animal’s escape, which it said happened “for reasons beyond the control of the company.”

The airline further said that procedures to transport the bear were carried out in accordance with the law and with procedures and standards approved by the International Air Transport Association.

“The plane crew co-ordinated with UAE’s authority who sent a specialized team to sedate the animal and take it off the plane,” the airline’s statement continued. “After checking the plane and making sure there is no damage from this incident the flight returned to Baghdad.”

Although Iraqi Airways said in its statement that the bear was being flown from Baghdad to Dubai, a person speaking in the video said the flight was an hour late for its trip to Baghdad — and that passengers were being asked to deplane until the issue was resolved.

An Iraqi Airways official speaking on condition of anonymity later confirmed to the Associated Press that the bear was, in fact, being transported to the Iraqi capital.

Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shayya’ Sabbar al Sudani has ordered an investigation into the incident.

Keeping wild animals as pets has become popular among Baghdad’s moneyed elites.

The local police has previously appealed to the residents to help them prevent predatory animals from being let loose on the streets — or ending up as exotic meals in restaurants — by reporting such cases.

With Post wires