AMSTERDAM- A KLM The Royal Dutch Airlines (KL) Boeing 787 Dreamliner faced a unique difficulty during its transatlantic journey.
The flight from Amsterdam (AMS) to Mexico City (MEX) was diverted to Bermuda (BDA) due to an unanticipated issue with the live pig cargo.
KLM Flight Divert to Bermuda
Approximately six hours into the journey, pilots contacted air traffic control with an unusual request. The captain claimed that 100 live pigs in the cargo hold were emitting an unpleasant stink, compromising the cockpit’s oxygen environment.
The pilots established a holding pattern near Bermuda’s coast. During radio communication, the captain clarified that the situation was not an emergency but required rapid care. He especially mentioned the pigs’ stink as the main cause for the unscheduled stop.
Air traffic controllers validated the unique conditions and confirmed the pilot’s intention to dump the problematic cargo. After arriving in Bermuda, airport staff removed the pigs and placed them under veterinary observation in a secure facility.
A KLM representative acknowledged that the pigs’ overwhelming odor forced flight KL685 to divert to Bermuda. The strong scent made the cargo environment unsuitable for the crew.
Due to crew work restrictions after landing, 259 passengers and crew needed local hotel rooms. The airplane eventually left Bermuda late Saturday night and arrived in Mexico City early Sunday morning.
Airport Official Remarks
Multiple organizations, including the Bermuda Government, Menzies, Delta Air Lines, and Skyport, worked together to ensure the animals were treated humanely. Their coordinated effort shows a dedication to dealing with unexpected transportation issues.
Skyport reps emphasized their team’s skill in handling unique scenarios. The unexpected delivery produced a unique situation that necessitated meticulous logistical organization.
The flight was set to depart Bermuda at 9:40 p.m., with all passengers and animals on board. The incident put an interesting spin on conventional transportation routines, demonstrating the versatility of airport and airline workers.
Similar Cargo-Related Incidents
In 2019, an Air Canada Rouge (RV) flight declared an emergency due to a strong cockpit stench derived by Durian fruit. According to PYOK, the peculiar fragrance led pilots to wear emergency oxygen masks.
Earlier that year, a British Airways (BA) flight suffered crew health difficulties due to strong laundry booster bead scents.
Flight attendants reported symptoms like dizziness and nausea, which were linked to cargo hold transportation.
