A KLM flight destined for the Dutch Caribbean had an unexpected passenger on board. The flight, traveling from Amsterdam to Aruba and Bonaire, was discovered to have a rat on board. The crew continued to operate the flight to Aruba, but the aircraft has since been taken out of service, leaving 250 returning passengers stranded.
As first published by RTL, the new outlet identified that a rat was climbing along a curtain track, which ignited concern with both passengers and crew. On arrival in Aruba, the airline cancelled its onward flight to Bonaire and Amsterdam, allowing the airline time to complete a deep clean of the aircraft, and time to catch the uninvited passenger.
A Rodent Onboard
It remains unclear how the rat made its way onboard the flight, and according to the Telegraaf, it took more than 36 hours before the rat was trapped after it was first sighted. After the flight arrived at Aruba Queen Beatrix International Airport (AUA), the onward flight to Bonaire International Airport (BON) and 
Amsterdam Schiphol Airport(AMS) was cancelled, leaving passengers stranded.
KLM was quick to reaccommodate the passengers, providing accommodation in Aruba, allowing time for the Airbus A330 operating the flight to undergo a deep cleaning at the airport. Passengers who were affected may be able to claim necessary compensation as per EU regulations.
Simple Flying reached out to KLM for comment, but it did not receive an immediate response by the time this article was published.
No Interruption To Onboard Service
While the sight of a rat could put many people off their inflight meal, the captain had decided that after being informed that there was a furry rodent onboard the flight had already crossed halfway across the Atlantic, and it was decided to continue onwards to Aruba to limit disruption to passengers.
The crew continued on their usual onboard service, and passengers were provided with onboard meals as the flight traveled towards the Dutch Caribbean. Videos on social media show the rat scampering across a curtain. While it is uncommon to see rats onboard an aircraft, any discovery does require a thorough cleaning process to ensure that the aircraft remains sanitary and safe.
KLM operates multiple flights a week in a triangle routing between Amsterdam – Aruba – Bonaire – Amsterdam. Population estimates by Rijksdienst Caribisch Nederland place around 330,000 residents across all of the Dutch islands in the Caribbean, which include Aruba, Bonaire, Curaçao (the ABC islands), Saba, Sint Eustatius, and Sint Maarten (the SSS islands).
The Dutch flag carrier operates regular flights from Amsterdam to Curacao, Aruba, St. Maarten, and Bonaire, while other airlines, including TUI Fly and Condor, also offer non-stop services to the region. The ABC Islands are a popular destination for travelers, due to beautiful turquoise water,s and world-class snorkeling. The location of these islands, below the hurricane belt, ensures year-round sunny and warm conditions, allowing visitors to enjoy the unique culture and attractions.
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How Can Rodents Find Their Way Onto An Aircraft
It is relatively uncommon for rodents to find their way onto aircraft; this can happen if they somehow have snuck into cargo or luggage, or even via airport services. Small entry points make it easy for the pests to smuggle their way onto the airplane, such as via landing gear or service doors.
Rats pose a serious threat to aircraft, as they could chew through wires, which could lead to failures in the aircraft’s avionics. Secondly, they cause unsanitary conditions, given that their droppings and urine can spread serious diseases, creating a health hazard for those onboard. Airlines do use pest control to limit any type of infestation; constant vigilance is required, and even just one rat or pest can see aircraft to be grounded for extermination.
Usual extermination when rodents are found onboard an aircraft is by setting out numerous traps across the airplane and setting bait stations. More serious cases will see professionals called in to set off controlled gases for fumigation. Airlines will usually notify maintenance teams immediately when a rodent has been identified, and leave ground teams to handle the furry intruder.
