KLM Flight Diverts to Bermuda Due to the Smell of Pigs

A KLM Boeing 787 Dreamliner flying from Amsterdam to Mexico City was forced to make an unscheduled stop in Bermuda on Friday after the smell of 100 live pigs in the cargo hold became overwhelming.

The stench, which affected the “oxygen environment” in the cockpit, led the pilots to request a diversion six hours into the transatlantic flight.

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The flight, KL685, was traveling to Mexico City when the crew contacted air traffic control with an unusual request. The captain described the pigs as “obnoxious cargo,” prompting the decision to divert to Bermuda for a much-needed “fresh-air break.”

The operators of Bermuda’s LF Wade International Airport confirmed that the plane had departed around 6:30 pm, with the 100 pigs safely loaded in the cargo hold. However, the strong odor from the animals became too much for the crew, leading to the diversion.

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Once the flight landed in Bermuda, the pigs were offloaded and taken to a secure location, believed to be the former mail processing facility on the airport property.

Meanwhile, the 259 passengers and crew were processed through immigration and accommodated at local hotels, thanks to swift coordination between Skyport, local authorities, and Delta Air Lines, KLM’s airline partner.

The well-being of the pigs was also a priority. Dr. Jonathan Nisbett, the Government Veterinarian, and animal wardens from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources were on hand to ensure the pigs were well cared for while further arrangements were made.