An unusual onboard incident led to major travel disruption after a KLM Airbus A330 was grounded due to the discovery of a rat inside the aircraft, affecting hundreds of passengers travelling between Europe and the Caribbean.
The aircraft was scheduled to operate from Amsterdam to Aruba, before continuing onward to Bonaire, on December 10. However, the flight was cancelled after the rodent was detected mid-air, forcing the airline to take the aircraft out of service for thorough cleaning.
Rat discovered mid-flight over ocean
According to airline officials, the rat was spotted while the aircraft was already flying over the ocean. With no possibility of turning back, the pilot continued to Aruba, where the aircraft was immediately grounded upon landing.
Passengers later reported seeing the rat crawling along a curtain rail before jumping onto overhead bins and storage compartments, causing visible shock and discomfort on board.
Despite the unusual situation, the airline said the cabin crew managed the situation calmly.
Flight cancelled, passengers affected
More than 250 passengers bound for Bonaire — as well as those scheduled to return to Amsterdam — were informed that their flight had been cancelled.
“This was a very exceptional incident,” a KLM spokesperson told The Independent. “The safety and wellbeing of our passengers and crew are always our top priority.”
The airline said the aircraft was withdrawn from service so it could undergo deep cleaning and safety checks before being cleared for further operations.
Crew ensured calm on board
KLM said the passengers remained calm throughout the incident and that cabin staff closely monitored the animal.
“The staff kept a close eye on the animal, and it did not come near any food areas,” the spokesperson told Dutch broadcaster RTL News.
There were no reports of injuries or panic during the flight, though many passengers described the experience as unsettling.
Questions over aircraft checks
The incident has raised questions about ground handling and aircraft inspection procedures, especially before long-haul international flights. Aviation experts note that while rare, rodents can enter aircraft during ground stops, particularly if strict checks are not followed.
KLM has not indicated how the rat entered the aircraft but said internal reviews would be conducted.
Travel resumes after cleaning
After extensive cleaning and inspection, the aircraft was expected to be returned to service. KLM said it was working with affected passengers to provide rebooking and assistance.
The airline reiterated that passenger safety remains its highest priority and described the episode as a rare and isolated occurrence.