A Delta flight between Amsterdam and Detroit was forced back to The Netherlands on Tuesday when a shower of maggots fell on passengers from a suitcase of rotting fish that had been stowed in the overhead luggage area, international media report.

One passenger recounted the episode on Reddit, reportedly writing: “My family and I were in the row directly in front of the maggots.

“The lady right behind us told the flight attendants the maggots were falling on her head. Ugh. I turned around and they were wiggling around on the seat.

“One of our carry-on bags was right nearby the disgusting one so at the end of the flight when I went to get it after checking it over thoroughly, the passenger in question was still sitting there and didn't exit the plane. 

Another passenger told Sky News she had complained to flight attendants about an “absolutely odd odour” on the plane.