Tiny mouse forces SAS flight to return to Stockholm more than 3 hours into the flight

Category: Europe News Tracking
Author: Melanie Kraft

Airline: Scandinavian Airlines
Tail: Aircraft: Airbus A320-251N
A320neo SE-DOZ at ARN on 20 June 2017. Credit: Bene Riobó

STOCKHOLM — Passengers aboard Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) flight SK1583 expected a sunny weekend getaway to Málaga on Saturday, February 7. Instead, they found themselves back where they started after a tiny, four-legged intruder forced the aircraft to make a mid-air U-turn.

The flight, operated by an Airbus A320neo (registration SE-DOZ), departed Stockholm Arlanda Airport (ARN) on schedule. However, roughly midway through the journey, while cruising over Belgium, the crew discovered an unwanted passenger on board: a mouse.

Safety First, Cheese Later

While a single mouse might seem harmless to the average traveler, rodents pose a significant safety risk in the aviation world. Mice are notorious for gnawing through electrical wiring and insulation, which can lead to critical system failures or onboard fires.

Following strict safety protocols, the flight deck made the decision to abort the trip to Spain and return to Stockholm.

Flight Facts: SK1583

DetailInformation
DateSaturday, Feb 7, 2026
AircraftAirbus A320-251N (SE-DOZ)
RouteStockholm (ARN) to Málaga (AGP)
Diversion PointAirspace over Belgium
Total Flight TimeApproximately 3 hours and 30 minutes

A Long Trip to Nowhere

Flight tracking data showed the aircraft performing a wide turn over Western Europe before heading north. After a total of 3 hours and 30 minutes in the air, the A320 landed safely back at Arlanda.

Passengers were eventually transferred to a different aircraft to continue their journey to the Costa del Sol, though with a significant delay and a unique story to tell. As for the stowaway, its current whereabouts—and whether it was “escorted” off the plane—remain unconfirmed.

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