Quantcast

KLM flight diverts due to pig odor; lands safely in Bermuda

Here's how Southwest Airlines' new seating and boarding process will work
Delta Adds New Route to Asia
Southwest Airlines will begin selling assigned seats in 2025
United Airlines Pilot Buys Passengers Pizza In Albuquerque After Flight Was Delayed 7 Hours
Czech Airlines to Cease Operations, Ending 23-Year SkyTeam Partnership
Airlines begin canceling flights, offering rebooking ahead of Hurricane Helene
Southwest Airlines to cut service and staffing in Atlanta to slash costs
New heights, new features: Discover Alaska’s enhanced Flight Pass subscription service
Alaska Airlines completes acquisition of Hawaiian Airlines, expanding benefits and choice for travelers
American Airlines welcomes JetSMART to the award-winning AAdvantage program
Explore Japan for free? Japan Airlines offers free domestic flights to foreign travelers
Delta named Official Airline Partner of Birmingham City Football Club
American Airlines to Cut These Routes to Las Vegas, Orlando, and More — Here's Why
Alaska Airlines completes acquisition of Hawaiian Airlines, expanding benefits and choice for travelers
Southwest wouldn't really start charging for bags — right?
JD Power ranked this Midwest airport as the best among largest airports in North America
Alaska Airlines Chief Plans More Routes After a Deal With Hawaiian
Air Canada could begin suspending flights soon as strike deadline nears
JetBlue's new ticket policy entitles every passenger to a carry-on bag
Why United Airlines’ CEO makes as few decisions as possible
American invests in the future of aviation maintenance with new jobs, additional work
DOT probe seeks to determine if frequent flyer programs are fair to travelers
American Airlines flight diverted after passenger starts vaping
Russian Airline Wants $100 Million From Canada for Seizing Its Giant Cargo Plane
Here's where American Airlines is adding flights to Europe in summer 2025
Major airline grounds Airbus A350 fleet, citing faulty engine component
Airline CEO wants airports to cap passengers at 2 alcoholic drinks to limit on-board disruptions
Regulator cuts Malaysia Airlines' air operator certificate duration after probe
United Airlines flight attendants are prepared to strike. Here's why it's still unlikely.
2 workers killed, 1 injured in tire explosion at a Delta Air Lines shop in Atlanta
KLM flight diverts due to pig odor; lands safely in Bermuda
Policy
Webp 5r3vc2svdh8ibaxk8gr8iutw0za2
Simple Flying | Simple Flying

KLM Flight 685, a Boeing 787-9 traveling from Amsterdam to Mexico City, made an unscheduled stop in Bermuda due to an unusual situation. The flight was carrying around 100 pigs in the cargo hold, and their smell permeated the cabin, prompting the crew to divert for a "fresh air break." The aircraft had 269 people on board at the time of diversion.

The decision to land at Bermuda's LF Wade International Airport came as the plane was flying approximately 70 nautical miles north of Bermuda. According to The Aviation Herald, the aircrew noted an "obnoxious smell from cargo coming from pigs probably," which may have been influenced by the cockpit's oxygen environment.

A spokesperson confirmed that "LF Wade International Airport had an unexpected arrival yesterday evening when KLM flight 685, operated by a Boeing B787-9, traveling from Amsterdam [AMS] to Mexico City [MEX], made an unscheduled landing in Bermuda. The reason? The distinctive aroma of 100 pigs traveling in the cargo hold prompted the flight crew to divert to Bermuda for a fresh-air break."

Get the Newsletter
Sign-up to receive weekly round up of news from Sky Industry News
By submitting, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. By providing your phone number you are opting in and consenting to receive recurring SMS/MMS messages, including automated texts, to that number from our short code. Msg & data rates may apply. Reply HELP for help, STOP to end. SMS opt-in will not be sold, rented, or shared.

There was no emergency declared during this diversion. No Mayday or PAN calls were issued, and emergency services were not needed. Upon landing, the pigs were moved to a secure location on the island for their temporary stay.

Passengers and crew received accommodation at local hotels thanks to cooperation between Skyport, local authorities, and Delta Air Lines—KLM’s airline partner. As stated by the spokesperson: "The 259 passengers and crew...were processed through immigration and are being accommodated at local hotels...Meanwhile, the pigs—living high on the hog during their impromptu holiday stopover—are being cared for at a secure location on the island."

Efforts were made by entities including Menzies, Delta Air Lines, Skyport, and Bermuda Government officials to ensure humane treatment of all animals involved. This incident underscores Bermuda's commitment to caring for all visitors.

On its website regarding pet reservations, KLM states it typically transports only cats and dogs in its cabins or holds due to limited space available depending on various factors like aircraft type and destination.

Bermuda has historical ties with pigs dating back centuries. Early settlers introduced them following Spanish explorer Juan de Bermúdez's discovery of Bermuda in 1505. These animals have since become part of island lore alongside other natural sounds that mystified sailors long ago.

Organizations Included in this History
More News

Alaska Airlines has announced a significant expansion of its route network for 2026, with plans to introduce service to two new cities and launch 13 new or returning routes.

Oct 25, 2025

Delta Air Lines will introduce new in-flight menu options created by celebrity chef José Andrés starting November 4.

Oct 25, 2025

The Blue Sky partnership between United Airlines and JetBlue launched today, allowing members of both airlines’ loyalty programs to earn and redeem points across the two carriers.

Oct 25, 2025

Air Canada is set to expand its presence at Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport (YTZ) by introducing four new nonstop routes to the United States in 2026.

Oct 25, 2025

United Airlines has announced it will add 10 new destinations from its Chicago O'Hare International Airport hub starting next year.

Oct 25, 2025

The partnership between United Airlines and JetBlue, known as Blue Sky, has officially launched.

Oct 25, 2025