Why is Qantas trending in New Zealand today?
The airline cancelled a Perth‑to‑Rome flight after passengers on the earlier Sydney‑to‑Perth leg reported bedbugs in economy seats. Qantas grounded the aircraft, performed a deep clean and re‑booked affected travellers.
What happened
- 9 Oct, 2026
Passengers on Qantas flight QF5 reported bedbugs crawling on clothing, blankets and windows during the Sydney‑Perth leg [3]
- 10 Oct, 2026
Qantas cancelled the subsequent Perth‑to‑Rome leg, returned the aircraft to Australia and carried out a deep cleaning of the affected seats [1]
- 11 Oct, 2026
Affected passengers were provided hotel accommodation and re‑booked on alternative flights within 48 hours [1]
What you need to know
Bedbugs can hitchhike on luggage and clothing, so inspect belongings after travel.
Qantas performs routine disinfection of its fleet every 50 days and deep cleans when an issue is identified.
Passengers were offered antihistamines for bites, though supplies ran out on the flight.
The incident was limited to a small number of economy seats; other cabin areas were not affected.
The precise source of the infestation and whether any other Qantas aircraft have been similarly affected remain under investigation.
Background
During a 16‑hour international service, passengers on the first leg of a Qantas flight from Sydney to Perth reported seeing bedbugs on their belongings and being bitten. The airline responded by cleaning the cabin, removing soft furnishings and seat covers, and isolating the affected seats before the aircraft continued to Rome. The next day, the return flight was cancelled and the plane was flown back to Australia for a thorough deep clean. Passengers received hotel stays and re‑booking within two days. Qantas says its aircraft undergo regular high‑standard cleaning and a precautionary disinfectant treatment every 50 days.
Bedbugs are small, blood‑feeding insects that can survive long periods without feeding and are known to travel on personal items. Health officials note that bites can cause itching and, in some cases, allergic reactions.
Questions people ask
Did the bedbug issue affect the entire aircraft?
Qantas said the problem was confined to a small number of economy seats; other sections were not reported to have insects.
Will Qantas flights be delayed because of this?
The specific flight was cancelled and the aircraft was deep‑cleaned, but the airline has re‑booked passengers and resumed service on other flights.
How can travellers prevent bringing bedbugs home?
Inspect luggage and clothing after travel, wash clothes on high heat or freeze items for an extended period to kill any insects.
Where this came from
[1] foxnews.com
Bedbugs found in plane's economy seats force major airline to cancel flight
Preview image from foxnews.com
[2] local12.com
Plane grounded after passengers reportedly find bedbugs crawling on, biting them
Preview image from local12.com
[3] usatoday.com
Qantas flight canceled after bed bugs reported on previous flight
Preview image from usatoday.com
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