A flight from Amsterdam to Mexico City was forced to make an unscheduled landing in Bermuda yesterday evening when the smell of 100 pigs resulted in the need for a fresh-air break.

Almost 260 passengers and crew, as well as the hogs, were accommodated on the island and were expected to depart tonight.

Skyport explained: “LF Wade International Airport had an unexpected arrival yesterday evening when KLM flight 685, operated by a Boeing B787-9, travelling from Amsterdam to Mexico City, made an unscheduled landing in Bermuda.

“The reason? The distinctive aroma of 100 pigs travelling 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 co-ordination between Skyport, local authorities and Delta Air Lines, KLM's airline partner.”

The airport operator said: “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 [grounds services], Delta Air Lines and Skyport worked closely to ensure the pigs were treated humanely throughout the ordeal.

“This co-ordinated effort reflects the island's commitment to caring for all visitors — whether they walk on two legs or trot on four.”

A Skyport spokeswoman said: “Our team at Skyport is accustomed to managing all sorts of unusual situations, and today was no exception.

“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.”

Skyport said that the flight is scheduled to depart Bermuda at 9.40pm.

It added that the surprise guests “certainly brought some unexpected Christmas cheer, and a few memorable aromas, to the island”.