[REVISION HISTORY]

Qantas Boeing 787 bed bug infestation

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What changed

2026-10-15 14:09 UTC → 2026-10-17 23:23 UTC · added ~~removed~~

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.

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