Aiko the cat sparked a five-day search before being safely recovered.
SINGAPORE – Cathay Cargo has issued an apology after a passenger’s cat, Aiko, escaped from her carrier during the transfer to a Hong Kong-bound flight at Changi Airport on October 28. The incident led to a five-day search before the feline was safely found.
The Escape
Aiko’s owner, Mr. Adrian Wong, reported the escape on Facebook, sparking a wave of public support. According to Cathay Cargo, the cat slipped out through a hole in her carrier, which was damaged by the tautness of the strap securing it.
Mr. Wong, who had arrived in Hong Kong without his pet, shared updates in the Facebook group Lost and Found Pets in Singapore. On November 1, he confirmed that Aiko was found near the cargo area, slightly thinner and covered in grease, but otherwise healthy.
“Aiko has been found safe and sound! We are beyond grateful for the community’s support and prayers,” he posted, thanking the public for their help.
Airline Response and Recovery
Cathay Cargo’s regional head for South-east Asia, Mr. Ashish Kapur, stated that an urgent search was launched immediately after the incident, involving professional animal handlers. Following her recovery, Aiko underwent a thorough veterinary check-up and plans are underway to reunite her with Mr. Wong in Hong Kong.
Mr. Kapur added: “We apologize deeply for the anxiety caused and are reviewing procedures with our partners to prevent such incidents in the future.”
Past Incidents
This is not the first time animals have escaped during air transit at Changi Airport:
April 2022: A dog escaped from its crate and was found nine days later.
December 2021: Two lions broke free from their transport container, prompting a brief stand-off before they were tranquilized.
Cathay Cargo has pledged to improve handling procedures to ensure the safety and security of transported animals.
