Saudi Prince Books 80 Airplane Seats for His Falcons

Yes, that photo you are seeing is real!

What it would be like to fly on a private jet with a cabin full of majestic falcons? Well, one Saudi prince turned this fantasy into reality by purchasing airplane seats for all 80 of his feathered companions.

Just when you thought Saudi Arabia could not get any weirder with their riches, this guy takes it up a notch! Here is how he did it.

Saudi Arabi Prince Books Full Flight for His Falcons

During a recent flight in the United Arab Emirates, a member of the Saudi Arabian royal family reportedly bought individual seats for all 80 of his falcons, sparking viral interest with a photo of the falcon-filled plane.

A Reddit user named lensoo shared a photo on Monday showing numerous birds perched in coach alongside a few scattered human passengers.

The caption stated, “My captain friend sent me this photo. Saudi prince bought a ticket for his 80 hawks.”

(Note: The birds were incorrectly identified as hawks by the poster.)

Falconry: What Does It Mean?

Transporting falcons on planes in the Middle East, as unusual as it may seem, is not uncommon.

Falconry is a popular sport among the elite in the region. Dubai even boasts a high-end falcon hospital and a dedicated museum. This tradition dates back thousands of years, though the specific reason why this particular falconer needed to transport so many falcons remains unclear.

Falconry, a tradition dating back over 2,000 years, holds significant cultural importance in Arab heritage. Falcons, particularly the Peregrine Falcon and Saker Falcon, are prized as prestigious symbols of status among the wealthy in the Middle East.

What Did Redditors Have to Say?

One Reddit commenter noted that Qatar Airways permits a maximum of six falcons per customer on board. However, Gizmodo reported that Etihad Airways allows falcons in the main cabin or as checked baggage.

Falcons hold significance as the national bird of the UAE, possibly explaining why several Gulf airlines are equipped to accommodate their transportation.

To fly commercially, falcons in the UAE must have a passport valid for three years to prevent smuggling. This was noted by Atlas Obscura. These passports do not require a photo but must include a leg ring with a corresponding ID number for identification purposes.

This practice enables falcons to travel internationally with their owners, typically for hunting expeditions or falconry competitions.

What do you think of this story? If you were a Saudi Prince, would you book a flight for your falcons?

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