Frankfurt Airport Power Disrupted ... by a Dormouse

Little guy wreaks a little havoc, doesn't live to tell the tale
By Newser Editors and Wire Services
Posted Aug 6, 2024 1:01 PM CDT
Frankfurt Airport Sees Disruption ... by a Dormouse
Stock photo.   (Getty Images)

Part of Frankfurt Airport's power supply was cut off for several hours during the night after a dormouse caused a short-circuit at an electricity substation, officials said Tuesday. The power cut had only a limited effect on flights. Energy company Syna said the rodent triggered the short-circuit around 10:45pm Monday, German news agency dpa reported. Electricity was cut off and the airport's fire service was deployed due to the smoke that resulted from the incident. Power was restored around 3:20am and the dormouse was found dead next to the wire it had gnawed, reports the AP.

Airport operator Fraport said the effects on air traffic were limited because the incident happened shortly before flights ended for the night and was dealt with well before they started on Tuesday morning. However, the airport said on X that "due to a technical problem, flight delays and cancellations can be expected ... this morning." Eleven cancelations were announced on Tuesday morning, dpa reported. In all, 1,242 flights were scheduled Tuesday at Germany's busiest airport. Fraport said it has pest controllers in constant deployment but it isn't possible to rule out incidents like this completely. Power to the airport comes from two separate suppliers and there are six substations.

(More Frankfurt Airport stories.)

Get the news faster.
Tap to install our app.
X
Install the Newser News app
in two easy steps:
1. Tap in your navigation bar.
2. Tap to Add to Home Screen.

X