Qantas cancelled a flight from Rome to Perth on Saturday after reports of bedbugs on one of its aircraft. The airline took the Boeing 787 Dreamliner out of service to allow cleaning teams to remove the pests before it could return to operation.
An earlier journey from Perth to Rome on Friday reportedly revealed the problem. According to the officials, the flight lasted almost 17 hours, and several passengers complained about being bitten by insects during the trip.
Passengers were reportedly given antihistamines to reduce the itching caused by the bites. However, the supply eventually ran out, according to reports.
A Qantas spokesperson confirmed that the aircraft required extensive cleaning after an issue was identified in a small number of economy-class seats.
The airline apologized to passengers affected by the cancellation. It also said that arrangements had been made to provide accommodation and transfer travellers to alternative flights within 48 hours of their original departure time.
Bedbugs are tiny, wingless insects that survive by feeding on blood. They can hide in mattresses, clothing, furniture, and other materials, making them difficult to detect. Although their bites can cause itching and skin irritation, they do not usually lead to serious health problems, according to the UK’s National Health Service.
Getting rid of bedbugs can be challenging and costly. Recommended methods include washing bedding and clothing at high temperatures and using a hot tumble dryer. Items that cannot be washed may sometimes be treated by placing them in a freezer for several days, provided the temperature is sufficiently low.
This is not the first time bedbugs have disrupted transport services. Earlier this month, several Southeastern train services in England were cancelled after drivers reportedly discovered the insects inside their train cabs.
Airlines have also faced similar complaints in the past. In 2017, British Airways apologized to a family travelling from Vancouver to London after family members reportedly suffered multiple bedbug bites during an overnight flight.
More recently, Turkish Airlines faced criticism after the New York Times reported several alleged bedbug incidents involving its aircraft in 2025. The reports raised concerns about how airlines identify and respond to pest problems.
The latest Qantas incident highlights the difficulties transport operators can face when dealing with bedbugs. Even a limited infestation can lead to cancelled journeys, additional cleaning costs, and inconvenience for passengers.
