Dubai. The bear escaped from a crate in the cargo hold of the plane. It caused delays at the airport

The plane with the teddy bear on board – according to the airline’s statement – was supposed to fly from Baghdad to the capital of the United Arab Emirates. The animal got out of the crate after arriving in Dubai, one of the most crowded airports in the world.

Iraqi Airways has issued an apology after a passenger posted a video online complaining about a flight delayed more than an hour “because of a bear”. Another recording shows a bear cub who, after leaving the crate, peeks through the ajar door of the plane, so that people standing nearby – despite the potential danger of contact with a wild animal – could stroke it.

“After arriving at Dubai airport, the animal escaped from a crate intended for its transport,” the airline confirmed, ensuring that the transport was carried out in accordance with international animal welfare guidelines.

CNN reported, citing Iraqi Airways, that the bear was sedated and then transported off the plane. The airline did not disclose why the bear was being transported to the UAE, nor did it provide any information on its condition.

On Monday, the Iraqi transport ministry said two bears were on board the plane. “Two small endangered bears were shipped from Baghdad, and when the plane arrived in Dubai, one of the bears crashed its cage,” it said.

It is still unclear where the bear was to be transported. One Iraqi Airways official, quoted by the Associated Press, said the animal was in fact being transported to the capital. Iraq. “The Guardian” also pointed out that keeping predatory animals as pets has recently become popular in Iraq, especially in Baghdad, among wealthy citizens.

Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ Al Sudani has ordered the transport ministry to launch an investigation into the bear’s escape.