‘Meow, meow’, pilots caught making animal noises on air control at Washington airport

An unusual incident over Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport in Virginia, US has drawn attention after pilots were allegedly heard making animal noises during routine radio communications, prompting a reprimand from air traffic control.

Audio recordings from April 12 captured what appeared to be pilots inserting meowing and barking sounds while transmitting over an active operational frequency. The channel is typically reserved for precise and professional exchanges, particularly in one of the busiest controlled airspaces in the United States.

As per reports, an air traffic controller monitoring the frequency intervened, issuing a warning: “You guys, you need to be professional,” according to the recording. Despite the caution, the behaviour reportedly continued, leading to a sharper remark from the controller referencing the pilots’ professionalism.

There is no indication that the incident affected flight safety or disrupted operations.