# Griffon vulture incident at Heraklion Airport

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/griffon-vulture-incident-at-heraklion-airport
> Updated: 2026-08-19T07:49:00.000Z. Sources: 6. Developments: 2.

A griffon vulture caused aviation disruptions at Heraklion Airport on the Greek island of Crete. The incident occurred as an aircraft was preparing for takeoff, leading to flight delays.

Airport fire services responded to the scene to safely relocate the bird. Responders used specialized equipment, including ladders, gloves, and protective gear, to capture the animal. One firefighter, Antonis Petrakis, noted that the vulture “remained completely calm” during the process.

Following its removal, the vulture was handed over to specialists for examination and care. While Crete serves as a significant habitat for the species, with approximately 140 breeding pairs, such encounters with commercial aircraft are considered rare and pose a serious safety risk.

## Claims

- A griffon vulture landed on the wing of a plane prepared for takeoff at Heraklion Airport in Crete. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- The pilot attempted to move the bird by operating the aircraft's control surfaces, but the vulture remained on the wing. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Airport firefighters used a ladder, gloves, and a jacket to capture the bird. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Firefighter Antonis Petrakis described the incident as an unprecedented event where the animal remained completely calm. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- The vulture was handed over to specialists for examination. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Crete is home to approximately 140 breeding pairs of griffon vultures. (corroborated by 3 sources)

## Timeline

### 2026-08-19: Griffon vulture delays flight takeoff at Heraklion Airport

A griffon vulture delayed a flight at Heraklion Airport in Crete after refusing to leave an aircraft wing, requiring firefighters to capture the bird for specialist examination.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/griffon-vulture-delays-flight-takeoff-at-heraklion-airport

### 2026-08-17: Vulture removed from Ryanair aircraft wing in Crete

A vulture was safely removed from a Ryanair aircraft's tail wing at Crete's Heraklion Airport on Sunday to prevent flight disruption and ensure aviation safety.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/vulture-removed-from-ryanair-aircraft-wing-in-crete

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Cite as: Griffon vulture incident at Heraklion Airport. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/griffon-vulture-incident-at-heraklion-airport