Dormouse Causes Power Outage at Frankfurt Airport

Part of Frankfurt Airport's power supply was disrupted overnight after a dormouse caused a short-circuit at an electricity substation, officials disclosed Tuesday. The power cut had only limited effects on flights.

Energy company Syna noted that the rodent triggered the short-circuit around 10:45 p.m. on Monday, according to German news agency dpa.

Electricity was cut, and the airport's fire service responded due to ensuing smoke. Power was restored by 3:20 a.m., and the dormouse was found dead next to the wire it had gnawed.

Fraport, the airport operator, stated that flight operations were not severely disrupted as the incident occurred just before night flights ceased and was resolved well before Tuesday morning flights began.

Nonetheless, the airport cautioned on social network X that “due to a technical problem, flight delays and cancellations can be expected ... this morning.” Eleven cancellations were confirmed on Tuesday morning, as per dpa. Overall, 1,242 flights were scheduled for the day at Germany's busiest airport.

Fraport emphasized that although pest controllers are always on duty, such incidents cannot be entirely prevented. Power to the airport is provided by two suppliers via six substations.

(With inputs from agencies.)