A UAE passenger’s flight to Morocco became the talk of the internet when a video showed him boarding the plane with an unexpected travel companion — a falcon, complete with its own passport. The video, shared on Instagram, quickly went viral as social media users were left astounded by the sight of a man traveling with his pet falcon perched comfortably on his arm at Abu Dhabi airport.
The falcon, an impressive bird of prey, was not just accompanying its owner as a casual pet; it was officially traveling in style. In a casual conversation with a fellow passenger, the UAE national explained that the falcon was indeed flying with them. The man confirmed casually as the talk progressed, “Yeah, of course, it is flying with us in the plane.” Onlookers, however, were obviously astounded by how typical the encounter seemed.
The falcon’s official documentation was what really made this stand out. With pride, the man unlocked the bird’s passport and revealed its information, including its gender, origin (Spain), and past travel experiences. It was required by UAE law that the falcon have its own passport, so it wasn’t just a curiosity. Falcons in the UAE have had mandatory passports since 2015 to help regulate and protect the species, especially after concerns about a decline in their population.
As the video circulated, people marveled at how seamlessly the owner made it all seem. The man’s calmness and composure were praised by several observers, indicating that he frequently carried a falcon on flights. Some social media users praised the owner’s calm manner, calling him “charming” and “adorable,” noting that his relaxed attitude toward the unique circumstance made it feel even more amazing.
This amazing incident demonstrates the unique status that falcons have in the United Arab Emirates, where they are accorded the highest regard and consideration, even being allowed to travel with their own passports.