Qantas has said its aircraft cabins undergo regular cleaning. Photo credit: LIGHTITUP/Shutterstock
Imagine spending nearly 17 hours travelling to Europe, only to arrive with itchy bites and discover that the aircraft you were supposed to take home has been taken out of service. That was the situation facing passengers on a Qantas flight from Perth to Rome after bedbugs were reportedly found in the economy cabin, triggering a deep clean and the cancellation of the return service.
The incident involved Qantas flight QF5, which arrived at Rome’s Fiumicino Airport on Friday, October 9. Passengers reportedly complained of bites during the journey, with bedbugs discovered in a small number of economy-class seats on the Boeing 787 Dreamliner.
Passengers left facing cancelled return flights
Some passengers were given antihistamines to relieve the itching, but reports said supplies eventually ran out. The aircraft was subsequently withdrawn from service while cleaning and maintenance work was arranged.
For those expecting to fly back to Australia the following day, the discovery meant an unexpected change of plans. The aircraft’s scheduled return service on Saturday, October 1, was cancelled to allow a deep clean. Qantas arranged hotel accommodation and alternative flights for affected passengers, offering rebooking within 48 hours of their original departure time.
How did bedbugs get onto the aircraft?
The source of the infestation has not been confirmed. However, experts say passengers can unknowingly carry bedbugs between locations in their luggage and clothing. The insects are adept at hiding in small spaces, including suitcase seams, upholstered furniture and the folds of fabric. They cannot fly or jump, so they spread by hitching a ride on belongings. A passenger who stays in an infested hotel could unknowingly bring them to the airport and onto a plane.
Their bites can leave red, itchy marks, although reactions vary from person to person. Some people develop noticeable swelling, while others show little visible reaction. Bedbugs are not generally considered to transmit disease to humans, but their bites can cause significant discomfort. Finding insects in a handful of seats does not necessarily mean an entire cabin is infested. However, even a small number can be difficult to locate because they remain hidden in narrow gaps and folds of material.
Why getting rid of them is difficult
Regular cabin cleaning does not guarantee that every insect will be removed. Bedbugs can hide deep inside seat upholstery and other crevices, where routine cleaning may not reach them. Eggs can also remain concealed, creating the risk of the infestation returning if treatment is incomplete.
Bedbug specialist Stephen Doggett told ABC News that infestations on aircraft have been documented, although they are uncommon. He explained that eliminating the insects can be challenging because they hide effectively and have developed resistance to some insecticides.
Treatment may involve specialist inspections, vacuuming, steam and suitable insecticides. The methods used must be appropriate for aircraft interiors, limiting the products and treatments available. Qantas has said its aircraft cabins undergo regular cleaning and receive preventive disinfectant treatment every 50 days. However, routine cleaning is not the same as a targeted bedbug treatment, particularly when insects are concealed inside seats.
What should passengers look out for?
Anyone who suspects bedbugs on a flight can inspect the seat seams and surrounding upholstery for insects or small dark marks. Photographing anything suspicious and reporting it to cabin crew gives the airline an opportunity to investigate. Bedbugs can also be carried home in luggage, so travellers concerned about exposure should inspect their belongings rather than immediately unpacking everything onto beds or upholstered furniture.
The origin of the insects found on the Qantas flight remains unknown, and there is no confirmed explanation of how they entered the aircraft or how long they had been there. For passengers, the consequences went beyond uncomfortable bites during a long-haul journey. The infestation disrupted return travel and required the aircraft to be removed from service while the airline dealt with the problem.