# Qantas Boeing 787 bed bug infestation

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/qantas-boeing-787-bed-bug-infestation
> Updated: 2026-10-17T19:00:02.000Z. Sources: 63. Developments: 3.

Qantas grounded a Boeing 787 Dreamliner in Rome after passengers on flight QF5 from Perth reported being bitten by bed bugs in the economy class section. The airline cancelled the scheduled return flight from Rome to Perth to facilitate a “deep clean” and disinfection of the aircraft by maintenance teams.

While the airline provided medication to affected passengers during the initial flight, reports indicated the supply was insufficient. Qantas apologized for the incident and arranged accommodation and alternative travel for impacted passengers within a 48-hour window. Experts suggested the insects may have entered the cabin through passenger luggage or clothing.

New details indicate the infestation issue began earlier, on October 9, during a flight from Sydney to Perth, where passengers reported insects on blankets, clothing, and belongings. Although Qantas attempted to manage the situation in Perth by cleaning parts of the cabin and removing soft furnishings, the problem persisted during the subsequent flight to Rome. The airline stated the infestation was limited to a small number of economy seats.

## Timeline

### 2026-10-17: Qantas grounds Dreamliner following bedbug infestation

Qantas pulled a Boeing 787 Dreamliner from service and canceled a Rome-to-Perth flight after passengers reported a bedbug infestation during a long-haul journey.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/qantas-grounds-dreamliner-following-bedbug-infestation

### 2026-10-15: Qantas cancels Rome-Perth flight due to bedbug infestation

Qantas cancelled a Rome to Perth flight after bedbugs were discovered in economy seats, requiring a deep clean of the aircraft.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/qantas-cancels-rome-perth-flight-due-to-bedbug-infestation

### 2026-10-13: Qantas grounds Boeing 787 in Rome due to bed bug infestation

Qantas cancelled a Rome-to-Perth flight and grounded a Boeing 787 Dreamliner after bed bugs were discovered in the economy cabin following a flight from Australia.

55 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/qantas-grounds-boeing-787-after-bed-bug-reports-on-rome-perth-flight

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Cite as: Qantas Boeing 787 bed bug infestation. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/qantas-boeing-787-bed-bug-infestation