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KLM Cancels Return After Rat Spotted on Aruba Flight, With Rodent Reportedly Caught a Day Later

KLM grounded the aircraft for cleaning and safety checks under standard protocols as the airline investigates how the rodent got onboard.

Overview

  • Passengers recorded a rat moving along curtain rails and into overhead bins during the December 10 AmsterdamAruba flight.
  • Because the animal was discovered over open water, the crew continued to Aruba rather than diverting mid-flight.
  • Upon arrival, KLM grounded the jet and canceled the ArubaBonaireAmsterdam return, affecting more than 250 travelers who were given hotel rooms and rebooking options.
  • KLM said passengers remained calm as crew monitored the situation and the animal did not approach food, and the airline still does not know how it boarded.
  • Reports citing De Telegraaf say ground staff captured the rat roughly 36 hours later, after which deep cleaning and inspections began before the aircraft’s return to service.