KLM Flight Diverts Due To Smell Of Pigs

December 14, 2024 | 13 Comments

A KLM flight diverted to Bermuda as the “distinctive aroma of 100 pigs traveling in the cargo hold prompted the flight crew to divert to Bermuda for a fresh-air break.”

A spokesperson said, “LF Wade International Airport had an unexpected arrival yesterday evening when KLM flight 685, operated by a Boeing B787-9, traveling from Amsterdam [AMS] to Mexico City [MEX], made an unscheduled landing in Bermuda. The reason? The distinctive aroma of 100 pigs traveling in the cargo hold prompted the flight crew to divert to Bermuda for a fresh-air break.

“The 259 passengers and crew, who surely never expected their journey to go hog wild, were processed through immigration and are being accommodated at local hotels, thanks to the swift coordination between Skyport, local authorities, and Delta Air Lines, KLM’s airline partner. Meanwhile, the pigs—living high on the hog during their impromptu holiday stopover—are being cared for at a secure location on the island, with assistance from a government veterinarian.

“The Bermuda Government, Menzies, Delta Air Lines, and Skyport worked closely to ensure the pigs were treated humanely throughout the ordeal. This coordinated effort reflects the island’s commitment to caring for all visitors—whether they walk on two legs or trot on four.

“This unexpected event adds a curious chapter to Bermuda’s history. Wild pigs were among the island’s earliest settlers, their nighttime grunts mingling with the haunting calls of the Bermuda cahow to create eerie sounds that mystified early sailors. These echoes earned Bermuda the nickname “Devil’s Isle”—though today’s visitors seem far more angelic than devilish.

“Our team at Skyport is accustomed to managing all sorts of unusual situations, and today was no exception,” said a Skyport spokesperson. “Thanks to excellent collaboration between KLM, Delta Air Lines, and local partners, both our two-legged and four-legged visitors are safe and well cared for—even if this wasn’t quite the Christmas vacation they had planned.”

A spokesperson added, “The flight is scheduled to depart Bermuda tonight at 9:40 PM. Passengers are set to check in between 5:45 PM and 6:00 PM.

“Just missing yesterday’s Great Bermuda Carol-Off by a day [perhaps for the best], these surprise guests have added their own special note to the island’s holiday season. While their stay will be brief, they’ve certainly brought some unexpected Christmas cheer—and a few memorable aromas—to the island.”

Airline diversion Bermuda December 2024 (1)

Airline diversion Bermuda December 2024 (2)

Airline diversion Bermuda December 2024 (3)

Airline diversion Bermuda December 2024 (4)

Airline diversion Bermuda December 2024 (5)

Airline diversion Bermuda December 2024 (6)

Airline diversion Bermuda December 2024 (7)

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Comments (13)

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  1. Saddened says:

    Too bad they were not adopted to arrive in time for Christmas dinner. We would have cleaned them up and enjoyed every morsel.
    I am certain their cost would have been a lot cheaper than our local grocery stores mark them up for.

    Anywho safe travels Pinkies

  2. Hungryman says:

    Bacon Sarnys at Skyport

  3. Triangle Drifter says:

    Feel for the passengers and crew, but that there is funny.

    What is it going to take to air out that aircraft? Going to be one interesting insurance claim against somebody.

    • puzzled says:

      Same way they get rid of farts that you have on planes.
      Research dood.

    • Still Laughing says:

      Probably went to Market Place and bought their entire stock of Febreeze…

  4. Joe Bloggs says:

    All those Christmas hams are leaving us for Mexico!

  5. gary pisel says:

    I used to carry pigs often in the NWA 747 freighter. When we found we were
    carrying pigs we would put uniforms in our suitcases, put the suitcase in a
    plastic bag and seal it. We would wear shorts and a T shirt. Even then the
    smell would permeate into out cloths.

    GHP

  6. Caroline Boyd says:

    Why are live pigs being flown from Europe to Mexico? That is the question that needs to be answered? Seems inhumane and wholly unnecessary to me.

  7. Unbelievable says:

    I’m only here for the silly comments.

  8. Lerner Family says:

    New meaning to “when pigs fly!”

  9. Gerald says:

    WHO SAID “PIGS CAN’T FLY”.

  10. James Foley says:

    Any FP club members on this flight? Lots of people who should become honorary members anyway. Along with all the live piggies [oink]. ❤

  11. Lj says:

    Will they be counted as visitor arrival statistics.

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