Qantas grounds Boeing 787‑9 after bedbug outbreak on Rome‑Perth service

First reported 13 Oct 2026 · Updated 13 Oct 2026

Written by AI from 8 reports listed below. Not checked by a person before publication. How we use AI

A bedbug infestation discovered on a Qantas Boeing 787‑9 Dreamliner led to the cancellation of the Rome‑Perth flight on 10 October and a deep‑clean of the aircraft before it resumed service.

Infestation discovered

Qantas crew found bedbugs on a Boeing 787‑9 Dreamliner at Rome Fiumicino Airport.

The infestation was first identified on the inbound flight from Perth to Rome, a 16.5‑hour journey during which passengers reported bites and received antihistamines that later ran out.

Flight cancellations

The outbound flight from Rome to Perth scheduled for 10:45 a.m. local time on 10 October was cancelled.

Passengers on the cancelled flight were offered hotel accommodation and were rebooked on alternative services within two days of the original departure.

Aircraft cleaning and return

The aircraft underwent a thorough inspection and deep cleaning after the outbreak.

The plane left Rome on a ferry flight at 2:02 p.m. on 10 October, arrived in Perth the following day, continued to Sydney, and has since re‑entered regular service.

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