Passengers started scratching: what was discovered on the flight to Rome? | Qantas

Passengers on a Qantas flight from Australia to Italy reported bed bug bites during a 17-hour journey. The aircraft was grounded for cleaning in Rome, the return flight was canceled, and passengers were rebooked on alternative flights.

Passengers on a Qantas flight from Perth, Australia, to Rome reported bed bug bites during a flight lasting approximately 17 hours. The incident occurred on Friday, October 9, 2026. According to a report by the Australian newspaper The Sydney Morning Herald, passengers in economy class complained to the flight crew about bites. Passengers were given antihistamines, but at one point the supply on the aircraft ran out. The exact number of passengers bitten was not disclosed. After landing in Rome, Qantas decided to temporarily remove the aircraft from service for thorough cleaning and canceled the return flight scheduled for the next day. The company apologized to customers, provided accommodation, and rebooked them on alternative flights within 48 hours. The article includes background on bed bugs, a description of their bites, and an explanation of the difficulty in treating them due to their ability to hide. Qantas emphasized that the cabin undergoes routine cleaning and treatment with disinfectants every 50 days.