Qantas Cancels Rome Flight After Bedbug Infestation

Qantas grounded a Boeing 787 Dreamliner in Rome after bedbugs were discovered in the economy section of a flight from Perth that departed on 9 October. Passengers on the nearly 17-hour journey reported being bitten, and some received antihistamines until the aircraft's supplies were exhausted.

The infestation forced the airline to cancel the return service from Rome to Perth on 10 October. This cancellation allowed maintenance teams to perform a deep clean of the aircraft. Qantas provided affected passengers with accommodation and rebooked their flights within 48 hours.

The airline stated that its cabins undergo regular cleaning and disinfectant treatment every 50 days. A parasitologist from Macquarie University suggested the insects were likely introduced to the cabin via a passenger's luggage or clothing.