Qantas grounds Dreamliner in Rome after bedbugs found in economy seats

Qantas grounded a Boeing 787 Dreamliner in Rome for a deep clean after bedbugs were discovered in a small number of economy seats on a flight from Perth.

The insects were found near the front of the economy cabin during the nearly 17-hour QF5 service to Rome on Oct. 9, according to reports citing a person familiar with the incident. Some passengers complained of bites and were given antihistamines, the BBC reported, citing the Sydney Morning Herald.

The aircraft was removed from service after landing, forcing Qantas to cancel its Oct. 10 return flight from Rome to Perth. The airline said affected customers received accommodation and were rebooked on alternative flights within 48 hours of their scheduled departure.

“We sincerely apologise to customers for the cancellation,” a Qantas spokesperson said, adding that the delay allowed engineering and maintenance teams to clean the aircraft. Qantas said its cabins are cleaned regularly and treated with disinfectant every 50 days as a precaution.

Macquarie University parasitologist Michelle Power told The Guardian that the bugs were most likely carried aboard in luggage or on clothing. Bedbug bites can cause itching and irritation, but the insects are not generally considered dangerous. They can, however, be difficult to eradicate because they hide in fabric and small crevices.