A Norwegian Air flight approaching Molde Airport had to execute an emergency go-around maneuver on Friday evening. The unexpected obstacle was an otter wandering across the runway. The incident occurred just before 7 PM local time as the aircraft prepared to land at the coastal Norwegian airport.
Airline officials confirmed the pilots performed what aviation professionals call a go-around procedure. This safety maneuver involves aborting a landing approach and circling for another attempt. The otter eventually moved away from the runway area, allowing the plane to land safely on its second approach.
Norwegian Air representatives described this as an extremely unusual situation. Neither the pilots nor air traffic controllers had previously encountered wildlife of this type on runways. The airline's press contact noted that such incidents with otters are exceptionally rare in commercial aviation.
Molde Airport sits on Norway's scenic western coastline, surrounded by fjords and waterways that support healthy otter populations. While bird strikes are relatively common in aviation, mammal encounters on runways remain unusual. Airport wildlife management typically focuses on birds and smaller animals rather than aquatic mammals.
Norwegian aviation authorities maintain strict wildlife control measures at all airports. These protocols are designed primarily for bird hazards that pose more frequent risks to aircraft. The incident highlights how even comprehensive safety systems can face unexpected challenges from local wildlife.
Passengers aboard the flight experienced only minor delays and continued their journey safely. The aircraft sustained no damage, and normal operations resumed quickly at Molde Airport. Such wildlife encounters, while rare, demonstrate why pilots train extensively for unexpected scenarios during critical flight phases.
Airport officials in Norway routinely monitor perimeter fencing and conduct wildlife assessments. However, otters' swimming abilities make traditional fencing less effective for these particular animals. This incident may prompt reviews of wildlife management strategies at coastal airports throughout Norway's fjord regions.
Aviation safety experts note that while unusual, wildlife incidents require constant vigilance. Norway's extensive coastline and numerous regional airports create unique challenges for balancing aviation safety with environmental conservation. The country's successful management of such rare events reflects its strong aviation safety culture.
What happens when wildlife ventures onto active runways? Airlines follow strict safety protocols that prioritize passenger safety above schedule concerns. Norwegian airports maintain excellent safety records despite occasional wildlife encounters in these scenic coastal locations.