EVA Air passengers try to catch bird flying in plane cabin before takeoff

A bird caused some panic and excitement when it flew around the cabin of an EVA Air plane about to take off at a New York airport on Dec. 12.

It was discovered onboard the Taiwanese carrier's flight BR31, bound for Taipei, after passengers had checked in at JFK International Airport, Taiwan media reported.

Unlikely stowaway

In a video shared to Threads, some passengers could be heard shouting as the unlikely stowaway flapped its wings and darted above their heads.

A few cheered for the bird as it took flight.

Others held up blankets or sweaters to capture it.

"Catch him! Catch him!" one voice rang out hysterically.

The bird was eventually caught by a man in an orange EVA Air jacket.

He was greeted with a round of applause as he brought it out of the plane.

Bird caught by ground crew: EVA Air

EVA Air confirmed in a statement that one of their ground crew captured the bird before takeoff, CTS News reported.

It added that flight operations were not affected by the incident.

Shi Qingsheng (transliteration), speaking on behalf of the Taiwan pilot's union, told Taiwan broadcaster TTV News that such intruders can enter the plane when cargo is being loaded or unloaded, or when passengers are boarding.

Shi, a pilot, said birds typically would fly into plane cabins if they find it too hot or cold outside.

He added that items with a large surface area, such as blankets or clothing, can be used to catch them.

Top image from @benita_onthetour/Threads