Passengers Seem To Be OK With the Four-Minute Delay

The pilot of a Jetstar Airways airplane getting ready to depart Australia's Gold Coast for Adelaide paused for about four minutes to allow a turtle to get out of the way of the airplane.

USA Today reports that the creature was noticed on the pavement in front of the airplane that was taxiing for departure by First Officer James Fuller. He told USA Today in a statement that "They aren't the fastest-moving creatures. I want to thank customers for their patience while we gave the little fella right of way."

Fuller said he'd seen rabbits on the tarmac in the past, but this is the first time he'd seen a turtle crossing the pavement.

The captain of the flight notified air traffic control about the reason for the delay, which did not seem to upset the passengers. One, Lachlan Burnet, posted a comment on the airline's Facebook page that the incident "made mine and the other passengers' day to see that. Lovely stuff, JQ pilots! Well played."

The turtle eventually made its way into a creek near the airport fence, and the flight went on its way.

(Image from file)

FMI: Source report