Desert lizard caused mid-flight panic

Dubai: The 'baby crocodile' that caused panic among passengers on an EgyptAir flight from Cairo to Abu Dhabi on Friday was actually a desert lizard.

Airline officials have been reported as confirming the rogue reptile, which reportedly made its way under seats and down the aisle, was seized upon landing in the Egyptian capital after the pilot of the plane insisted on turning back to Cairo.

All of the passengers onboard were questioned about the lizard but none admitted bringing it on board. It was handed to waiting vets at Cairo airport and will reportedly be kept at Giza Zoo.

Colonel Khamis Al Marar, Chairman of Abu Dhabi International Airport Security Board, said it was "impossible for anything that could threaten passengers' safety to pass unnoticed through Abu Dhabi airport".