In brief
Qantas grounded a Rome‑to‑Perth Boeing 787 after a bedbug outbreak on the preceding flight, canceling the following day's service. Passengers received antihistamines, were given accommodation, and were rebooked within 48 hours. The airline promised a thorough deep clean of the affected economy seats and issued a formal apology. Bedbugs, while not usually dangerous, are tough to eradicate and have caused similar disruptions for other carriers and transport modes. The incident underscores evolving hygiene challenges in air travel.
A Qantas flight from Italy to Australia was cancelled on Saturday after an outbreak of bedbugs on the plane.
During the 17‑hour journey from Perth to Rome on Friday, passengers complained of bites. They were given antihistamines, but supplies ran out.
The aircraft—a Boeing 787 Dreamliner—was grounded for a deep clean, the airline said, apologising for the cancellation and noting that engineers were addressing the issue in a small number of economy seats.
All impacted customers received accommodation and were rebooked on alternative flights within 48 hours of their original departure.
Bedbugs are small, wingless parasites that can hide on clothes, furniture and bedding. Their bites are itchy and difficult to eradicate, requiring hot washes or freezing for several days.
Bedbug‑related travel incidents have affected other airlines and transport modes, including a recent cancellation of southeastern train services in England and earlier British Airways complaints.
