Full Breakdown
Qantas Grounds Boeing 787 in Rome After Bedbug Outbreak Disrupts Perth-Rome Service
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event
On 9 October 2026, passengers on Qantas flight QF5 from Perth to Rome reported being bitten by insects during the 17-hour journey. The bites were identified as bedbugs in the forward economy cabin of the Boeing 787 Dreamliner. After landing at Rome’s Fiumicino Airport, Qantas withdrew the plane for a deep clean and cancelled the return flight QF6 on 10 October 2026. Passengers received hotel accommodation and were rebooked on alternative services within 48 hours.
Background & Context
The Perth-Rome non-stop service launched in 2022 was extended for the 2026 season, adding 40 flights and nearly 10 000 seats. Bedbug sightings on commercial aircraft have been reported on other carriers in recent years. The insects travel in luggage and clothing, making long-haul flights a common vector.
Data & Statistics
- Aircraft: Boeing 787 Dreamliner (economy cabin).
- Flight numbers: QF5 (Perth -> Rome) on 9 Oct 2026; QF6 (Rome -> Perth) cancelled on 10 Oct 2026.
- Flight duration: ~17 hours outbound, 16 hours inbound.
- Passenger impact: delays of up to two days; all affected travelers received accommodation and were re-routed within 48 hours.
- Cleaning protocol: routine high-standard cleaning and disinfectant treatment every 50 days; this incident required an additional deep-clean and fumigation.
Expert Insight
Prof. Michelle Power, parasitologist at Macquarie University, said the bedbugs were “more than likely” introduced via a passenger’s luggage and noted that bites are itchy but do not transmit diseases.
Official Statements & Responses
A Qantas spokesperson apologized, stating the cancellation allowed engineers to conduct a thorough deep clean after the issue was identified on a small number of economy seats. The airline reiterated its regular cleaning schedule and confirmed that affected passengers were offered hotel accommodation and rebooking within 48 hours.
Impact on Passengers
Cabin crew administered antihistamines during the flight, but supplies ran out before landing. Some travelers remained in Rome for up to two days while alternative arrangements were made. The airline’s rapid rebooking limited overall delay but highlighted challenges of pest control on long-haul aircraft.
Broader Implications
The episode underscores the difficulty of eradicating bedbugs from aircraft interiors, given their ability to hide in seat seams, upholstery and luggage. It reinforces the need for rigorous inspection and specialized pest-control treatments on routes with high passenger turnover and extended flight durations.