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  • RAT WAS DISCOVERED ON BOARD. Massive Flight Disruption and Your Right to Compensation

RAT WAS DISCOVERED ON BOARD. Massive Flight Disruption and Your Right to Compensation

On December 10, 2025, an international journey turned into a scene from a movie when a stowaway rat was discovered aboard a KLM Airbus A330 traveling from Amsterdam to the Caribbean. The rodent was first spotted midway across the Atlantic, with footage later surfacing showing the animal slipping from a baggage compartment and scurrying behind a curtain.

While the pilot made the tactical decision to continue the journey to Aruba Queen Beatrix International Airport, the discovery triggered a massive logistical nightmare. Upon landing, the aircraft was immediately grounded for safety inspections and pest control. This led to the cancellation of flight KL767, leaving more than 250 passengers stranded across Aruba and Bonaire.

The Reality for Stranded Passengers

The disruption was far from minor. Because rodents can cause severe technical damage by gnawing through electrical wiring and critical flight systems, the airline could not operate the return leg to Amsterdam.

  • 36-Hour Manhunt: It reportedly took 36 hours for specialists to finally capture the rodent.

  • Holiday Chaos: Occurring during the busy December travel season, many passengers faced lost hotel bookings, missed work, and broken holiday plans.

  • Extended Delays: While KLM provided basic hotel accommodation, many travelers were left waiting for days for alternative flight arrangements back to the Netherlands.

Why You Need MySkyHelp for Your KLM Flight Cancellation Claim

If you were on the affected flight from Aruba or Bonaire, you might assume that an "animal on board" is an act of God or an "extraordinary circumstance" that excuses the airline from paying. This is often not the case.

At MySkyHelp, we specialize in KLM flight cancellation compensation claims. Under EU Regulation 261/2004, passengers departing from a non-EU territory (like Aruba) to the EU on an EU-based carrier (like KLM) are entitled to significant financial redress.

Your Rights Under EU261/2004:

  1. Fixed Compensation: Because the flight distance exceeds 3,500 km, each passenger is entitled to €600 in cash compensation.

  2. Right to Care: KLM is required to provide meals, refreshments, and hotel accommodation. If you paid for these out of pocket, MySkyHelp will help you secure full reimbursement.

  3. Technical Faults: Courts have often ruled that pest infestations do not always constitute "extraordinary circumstances," especially if they could have been prevented by standard maintenance and cleaning protocols in Amsterdam.


How MySkyHelp Fights for You

Airlines frequently use complex legal jargon to deny claims, but MySkyHelp knows the law inside out. We simplify the process so you don't have to deal with the stress:

  • No Win, No Fee: You only pay us if we successfully secure your payout.

  • Expert Legal Strategy: We challenge the airline’s "extraordinary circumstances" defense to ensure you get your full €600 compensation.

  • Hassle-Free Documentation: Simply provide your flight details, and our team handles the paperwork and negotiations.

Don’t let the airline brush you off with a voucher. You are legally entitled to cash. Whether you were stranded in Aruba or Bonaire, MySkyHelp is your dedicated partner in securing justice for your travel disruption.


Were you affected by the KLM "Rat Flight" cancellation? Contact MySkyHelp today to start your €600 claim!

 
List all your connecting flights:

 
Did you ensure you had the correct documentation?

Before you board the plane, airlines must check that you have the necessary documents for your destination. If you do not, they are entitled to deny boarding and do not have to pay compensation.

Examples of documents you may need to show:

1. Valid passport or other accepted ID
2. Valid visa
3. Proof of return ticket
4. Negative Covid-19 test result
5. Passenger locator form

Since you arrived at your destination with a delay of less than 3 hours, unfortunately, you are not eligible for compensation.

Since the airline notified you of the flight cancellation 14 days before departure, unfortunately, you are not eligible for compensation.

Fill out only if the airline did not reimburse these expenses and you have documents proving payment:

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Flight Compensation & Claims

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