In brief
Passengers on a Qantas flight from Italy reported bug bites, forcing the airline to ground the plane for deep cleaning. Qantas rebooked all customers and offered accommodation within 48 hours. Bedbugs are itchy but rarely harmful; however, they’re tough to eradicate and have previously rattled airlines and trains worldwide. Find out how airlines deal with infestations and next steps in this 60‑second recap.
A Qantas Boeing 787 Dreamliner bound for Australia was grounded after an outbreak of bedbugs was discovered on the aircraft.
Passengers had already complained of itchy bites during the preceding overnight flight from Perth to Rome.
Qantas has said it apologised for the weekend cancellation and that the plane will undergo a "deep clean" by maintenance crews.
All affected travellers were offered free accommodation and rebooked on alternate flights within 48 hours.
Bedbugs are wingless insects that live on bedding and furniture. They bite, causing itchiness and sometimes allergic reactions.
Eradication requires hot washes, tumble‑drying, or freezing items for several days.
Similar outbreaks have led to train cancellations in England and pick‑up complaints for other airlines worldwide.
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