A British airways plane had to be taken out of service due to a infestation of bed bugs, it has emerged. Cabin crew reported the issue on the Boeing 747 travelling from the US to Heathrow last week.

One passenger was bitten at 30,000 feet while other travellers reported seeing the critters and their eggs, according to the Sun.

Row 47 of the plane’s economy section was closed due to the problem.

BA launched an investigation, and the aircraft was removed from service for specialist cleaning.

A spokeswoman said: “Whenever any report of bed bugs is received, we launch a thorough investigation and, if appropriate, remove the aircraft from service and use specialist teams to treat it. The presence of bed bugs is an issue faced occasionally by hotels and airlines all over the world. British Airways operates more than 280,000 flights every year, and reports of bed bugs on board are extremely rare.  Nevertheless, we are vigilant about the issue and continually monitor our aircraft. “