AMSTERDAM- A KLM Royal Dutch Airlines (KL) Boeing 787 Dreamliner encountered an unusual challenge during its transatlantic flight.
The aircraft, traveling from Amsterdam (AMS) to Mexico City (MEX), was forced to divert to Bermuda (BDA) due to an unexpected problem with its live pig cargo.
KLM Flight Divert to Bermuda
Approximately six hours into the flight, pilots contacted air traffic control with a unique request. The captain reported that 100 live pigs in the cargo hold were creating an overwhelming odor that compromised the cockpit’s oxygen environment.
The pilots entered a holding pattern near Bermuda’s coast. During radio communication, the captain explained the situation was not an emergency but required immediate attention. He specifically highlighted the pigs’ odor as the primary reason for the unscheduled stop.
Air traffic controllers verified the unusual circumstances, confirming the pilot’s intent to offload the problematic cargo. After landing in Bermuda, airport personnel removed the pigs and placed them under veterinary supervision in a secure location.
The KLM spokesperson confirmed that the pigs’ strong odor forced the flight KL685 to divert to Bermuda. The overwhelming smell rendered the cargo environment unworkable for the crew.
Due to crew work limitations after landing, 259 passengers and crew required local hotel accommodations. The flight eventually departed Bermuda late Saturday night, arriving in Mexico City early Sunday morning.
Airport Official Remarks
Multiple organizations, including the Bermuda Government, Menzies, Delta Air Lines, and Skyport, collaborated to ensure the humane treatment of the animals. Their coordinated effort demonstrated commitment to handling unexpected transportation challenges.
Skyport representatives noted their team’s expertise in managing unusual situations. The unexpected cargo created an unconventional scenario that required precise logistical coordination.
The flight was scheduled to depart Bermuda at 9:40 pm, with all passengers and animals accounted for. The incident provided an unusual twist to standard transportation protocols, highlighting the adaptability of airport and airline personnel.
Similar Cargo-Related Incidents
In 2019, an Air Canada Rouge (RV) flight declared an emergency due to an overpowering cockpit odor originating from Durian fruit. The distinctive smell prompted pilots to use emergency oxygen masks, PYOK reported.
Earlier that year, a British Airways (BA) flight experienced crew health issues caused by strong laundry booster bead odors.
Flight attendants reported symptoms including dizziness and nausea, traced to cargo hold transportation.
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