ATHENS- A disturbing discovery aboard an Arkia Israeli Airlines (IZ) flight operating between Greece and Israel has triggered a dispute between the carrier and its catering provider.
A galley service trolley was found infested with baby rats during the return sector, raising serious questions about ground handling and food logistics.
The cart had been supplied through Tel Aviv Ben Gurion Airport (TLV) by catering company TMM before the outbound journey to Greece. Arkia (IZ) later reported that the trolley was discovered on the return flight, despite having been loaded in Israel prior to departure.
Cart Discovery Details
Reports indicate that crew members identified baby rats inside a service trolley stored in the aircraft galley.
The cart was not in active use for passenger food service at the time of discovery. Images circulating online suggest multiple rodents were contained within the confined structure of the unit.
Arkia stated that the trolley originated from the dry-goods storage area of its catering supplier. The airline confirmed that it immediately removed the cart from service once the issue was identified.
It also emphasized that no passenger meals or onboard catering items were affected by the discovery.
Airline Responsibility Dispute
The dispute escalated after Arkia (IZ) accused the catering provider of failing to ensure sanitary conditions before loading the trolley.
The airline requested a detailed investigation and corrective measures to prevent recurrence. It maintained that the cart should not have contained any biological contamination at the time of dispatch.
TMM rejected the allegation and stated that the trolley was inspected before departure from Ben Gurion Airport.
The company claimed that both airline personnel and catering representatives verified its condition before loading. It further argued that responsibility for post-loading inspection lies with the operator during aircraft handling.
TMM also threatened legal action, asserting that its facilities operate under strict food safety standards.
It insisted that any suggestion of negligence damages its operational reputation and large-scale meal supply operations, OMAAT flagged.
Concerns Regarding Catering in Aviation
The incident has raised broader concerns about galley cart handling procedures in airline catering chains.
Aviation catering systems rely on multiple checkpoints, including supplier inspection, ramp handling, and airline verification. Any gap in these controls can lead to significant hygiene risks.
Industry observers note that contamination cases involving service equipment are rare but highly sensitive.
The unusual presence of rodents inside a sealed trolley has intensified scrutiny of inspection protocols at both catering facilities and airport ramp operations.
Both Arkia and TMM continue to maintain opposing positions while internal reviews proceed. The final determination of responsibility will depend on operational records and inspection documentation from both parties.
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