Dog on diverted Malaysia Airlines flight reunited with family after 4 days

PETALING JAYA: A six-year-old Maltese terrier on the Malaysia Airlines flight diverted to Alice Springs had to wait for four days before finally reuniting with its owner after the pup was forced to spend the night at an Australian airport.

Australian news portal ABC news reported that Timothy was onboard Malaysia Airlines (MAS) flight MH122, which was diverted to Alice Springs after it faced technical difficulties last Thursday (Jan 18).

Timothy's owner Susan Merrell was quoted saying that she was afraid that the dog would be left in a holding crate on the runway with no access to food or water.

Malaysia Airlines when contacted said that Timothy was never left unattended.

"Throughout the duration of the delay, Malaysia Airlines ensured that Timothy was well taken care of," the airline said.

Timothy was travelling unaccompanied as Merrell was travelling on a different airline.

ABC news added that this was the dog's first-ever flight, as he was heading from Sydney to London, where the entire family was relocating.

However, ABC News said Timothy's misfortune did not end there as his immigration papers were left on the original flight, adding that Timothy also missed the connecting Kuala Lumpur - London flight. 

Timothy was finally released from quarantine at Heathrow Airport and was finally reunited with his family on Monday (Jan 22).