Turkish Airlines, one of the biggest airlines in the world, is under scrutiny after passengers reported bedbugs on three different flights in 2024. These incidents have raised questions about hygiene in the industry.
Bedbugs on Turkish Airlines Flights
Passengers reported bedbugs on flights in 2024 from Johannesburg, Istanbul and Washington Dulles.
Matthew Myers was on a flight from Istanbul to San Francisco in October when a fellow passenger pointed out bedbugs falling from the ceiling.
“Multiple passengers were asking to move seats after seeing bugs,” Myers told The New York Times.
Another passenger moved to the flight attendant’s jump seat to get away from the bugs.
Myers said he received a 10 percent discount for future travel valid for two months.
On a Washington Dulles to Istanbul flight, Kristin Bourgeois found bedbugs on their blanket and pillow during the 10-hour flight. They later found 13 bites on their body and sent photos. Turkish Airlines asked for a doctor’s note to process the complaint and offered 5,000 miles as compensation.
In another case in March, Patience Titcombe saw a bedbug on their seat on a flight from Johannesburg to Istanbul.
@TurkishAirlines bedbugs on our inbound flight to IST is every travelers nightmare!!!
— Patience Titcombe (@lasgidicafephx) March 18, 2024
Titcombe said a flight attendant removed the bug and dismissed her concern.
The Times reported that Titcombe had complained through Facebook Messenger and email, sending photos, but the carrier said there was “no record of any disruption”.
Turkish Airlines has not commented publicly on the issue.
Bedbugs in Aviation: A Growing Problem
More common in hotels, yet not unknown in aviation, bed bugs are becoming a growing problem. These tiny bugs can live in upholstery and carpeting and are a challenge for airlines who have long haul flights with high passenger turnover.
According to the Mayo Clinic, bedbugs don’t spread disease but can cause severe skin irritation and emotional distress to affected travellers. Aviation hygiene experts say regular deep cleaning and quick responses to complaints are key to keeping passenger trust.
This isn’t the first time an airline has been accused of having bedbugs on board. In October 2024, an American Airlines passenger reported bedbugs on a flight from New York to Detroit and got 7,500 miles as compensation.
These reports highlight growing concerns about hygiene in the industry. Share your thoughts in the comments below.
