Bedbugs Found on Qantas Flight Force Cancellation of Rome-Perth Service

A Qantas flight from Rome to Perth was canceled last week due to a bedbug infestation discovered in the aircraft's cabin. The cancellation followed reports from passengers on the preceding Perth to Rome leg who experienced bites from the insects.

Qantas Airways Limited issued an apology for the disruption, stating that engineers and maintenance teams needed to conduct a deep clean of the Boeing 787 Dreamliner after the issue was identified in a small number of economy seats. Passengers on the flight from Perth to Rome described bedbugs crawling on their belongings, clothing, and even along the windows.

Travelers initially alerted the flight crew to the presence of the bedbugs during the Sydney to Perth segment of the journey. The airline reported that before the subsequent long-haul flight to Rome, preventative measures were taken, including a deep clean, removal of seat coverings and soft furnishings, and cordoning off affected seats. Despite these efforts, passengers on the flight to Rome reported continuing issues.

Some travelers recounted being woken by screaming, while others noted a persistent emergence of the insects, which were found on personal items including shoes and clothing.

To address the bites, passengers were provided with antihistamines, though the supply reportedly ran out during the flight. The return flight, scheduled to depart from Rome to Perth on Saturday, October 10, was canceled to allow for the thorough cleaning. Affected passengers were offered hotel accommodations and rebooked on alternative flights within 48 hours.

According to Qantas, its aircraft undergo regular cleaning to a high standard and receive a precautionary disinfectant treatment every 50 days. Bedbugs, which measure between one and five millimeters and feed on human blood, are known for their ability to