Iraq’s prime minister has ordered an investigation into how a bear escaped from its crate in the cargo hold of an Iraqi Airways aircraft at Dubai airport, causing delays and frustration among passengers.

The incident, which was captured on video and widely shared on social media, led to speculation about the airline's responsibility and the welfare of the bear. Iraqi Airways denied any wrongdoing and stated that it followed proper procedures approved by the International Air Transport Association (IATA).

Specialists from the United Arab Emirates were called in to sedate the bear and remove it from the plane. The airline apologized for the inconvenience caused and assured passengers that the flight was safe after a thorough inspection. The Iraqi transport ministry later revealed that there were actually two bears on board, and one was responsible for the escape.

The prime minister's office has directed an investigation into the incident. This incident highlights the challenges of transporting wildlife as cargo and the need for stricter enforcement of regulations to protect animals.