In brief
A Qantas flight from Rome to Perth was grounded after a bedbug outbreak was discovered on the aircraft. Passengers on the overnight link from Perth to Rome reported bites and received antihistamines, but supplies ran out. Qantas announced a deep clean and provided accommodation for affected customers. The incident joins a series of transportation‑related bedbug outbreaks, affecting airlines, trains and hotels worldwide. The company rebooked passengers within 48 hours and apologised for the disruption.
A Qantas flight from Rome to Perth was cancelled on Saturday after a bedbug outbreak was discovered on the aircraft.
During the previous night’s flight from Perth to Rome, several passengers complained of bites and were given antihistamines, which soon ran out, according to the Sydney Morning Herald.
The Boeing 787 Dreamliner was forced to land in Perth for a deep clean, confirmed by a Qantas spokesperson.
Qantas apologised for the cancellation and said it would provide accommodation and rebook affected customers on alternative flights within 48 hours.
Bedbugs are small, wingless parasites that bite and can be difficult and costly to eradicate. Treatment requires washing bedding and clothes on hot cycles or freezing items for several days.
Transportation agencies have faced similar outbreaks; a recent cancellation of southeastern train services in England and a British Airways incident in 2017 are examples.
Turkish Airlines also faced a high‑profile bedbug denial following multiple reports, highlighting the growing risk of infestations on planes and other mass transport.
