Passenger with hantavirus was briefly on board a KLM aircraft in Johannesburg
Yesterday evening, the Dutch public health authority RIVM informed KLM that one of the Dutch nationals who died from hantavirus had briefly been on board a KLM aircraft in Johannesburg on April 25, 2026. Due to the passenger’s medical condition at the time, the crew decided not to allow the passenger to travel on the flight. The passenger sadly later passed away in Johannesburg. KLM extends its condolences to the next of kin and wishes them much strength during this difficult time.
The flight concerned was KL592 (codeshare AF8282, DL9560, SK6855), which departed Johannesburg (JNB) for Amsterdam (AMS) on April 25 at 11:15 p.m. local time. After the passenger was removed from the aircraft, the flight departed for the Netherlands.
As a precaution, all passengers who were on board this flight are being informed by GGD Kennemerland. RIVM states that there are indications that the hantavirus in question (the Andes strain) can be transmitted from person to person. However, this appears to be very rare. Internationally, only a few such cases have been reported. Moreover, person-to-person transmission occurs only when people have very close contact with one another.
KLM is working closely with the RIVM and the GGD and is following their guidance carefully. Current information about hantavirus can be found on the RIVM website: Actueel | RIVM.