Current Date: 16 Aug, 2025
{{entry.title}}

Domestic Flight Delay Caused by Live Snake on Board Leaves Passengers in Shock

A domestic flight was unexpectedly delayed for nearly two hours after a snake was discovered slithering inside the plane’s cargo hold. Thanks to the swift efforts of a professional snake catcher and airline staff, the reptile was safely removed without any harm to passengers, turning a potentially alarming situation into a story of caution and calm.

On July 1, 2025, a domestic flight in Australia experienced an unusual delay when a two-foot-long snake was discovered hidden in the plane’s cargo hold just as passengers were boarding. The Virgin Australia Flight VA337, scheduled to fly from Melbourne to Brisbane, was held back for nearly two hours as professionals worked to safely remove the reptile.

What could have been a cause for panic was managed efficiently by the airline staff and a specialist snake catcher named Mark Pelley, whose quick action ensured that no passengers or crew members were harmed during the incident.

Photo Credit: The Snake Hunter via AP

Harmless But Startling

The snake turned out to be a 60-centimeter (approximately 2-foot) green tree snake—a non-venomous species native to the Brisbane region. Despite its harmless nature, the dark conditions inside the cargo hold and the initially unknown species made the situation potentially risky.

Mr. Pelley recalled that he initially assumed the snake might be venomous due to the challenging visibility and his caution while approaching it. He emphasized that capturing the snake on his first attempt was critical, noting that had the snake escaped further into the interior panels of the Boeing 737, it would have been necessary to evacuate the plane and dismantle parts of the aircraft to retrieve it.

How the Snake Likely Got Onboard?

Authorities suspect the snake hitched a ride inside a passenger’s luggage on the previous flight from Brisbane to Melbourne. Animals such as snakes sometimes seek shelter in bags or containers, inadvertently ending up in places where they can cause disruptions.

Due to Australia’s strict quarantine regulations, the snake cannot be returned to the wild. Instead, the reptile was handed over to a Melbourne veterinarian for placement with a licensed snake keeper, ensuring its safety and the protection of local ecosystems.

Airline Safety and Passenger Experience

Although incidents involving animals aboard planes are rare, they highlight the importance of thorough baggage inspections and safety protocols. The airline and airport personnel handled the delay professionally, keeping passengers informed and calm.

Most passengers were understanding, and the flight resumed safely once the snake was securely removed, albeit with a delay of approximately two hours.

Fascinating Trivia About Snakes on Planes and Air Travel

  • This is not the first time snakes have disrupted flights; Australia has experienced similar incidents due to its diverse and abundant reptile population.
  • Green tree snakes, like the one found, eat frogs, lizards, small birds, and eggs, and are known to thrive in warm, bushy environments.
  • Airlines have protocols for managing unexpected animal discoveries, including collaboration with animal control or specialist handlers.
  • Though alarm-inducing, snakes aboard aircraft are usually accidental stowaways rather than intentional.
  • Similar real-life “snakes on a plane” stories are far less dramatic than Hollywood portrayals, but can still cause significant operational delays.

Calm in the Face of a Slithering Surprise

The recent snake incident aboard a dometic flight serves as a reminder of the unexpected challenges that airline safety teams can face. It showcases the importance of professional response, airline vigilance, and passenger cooperation when unusual situations arise.

While a snake on a plane might sound like a plot from a thriller, this real-life story ended with no harm and highlights the reality behind such rare events.

If this story intrigued you, share it to spread awareness about airline safety and the fascinating encounters that sometimes occur in air travel.


Sources & Further Reading:

  • People.com: Snakes on a Plane! Reptile Delays Flight After Sneaking into Commercial Aircraftpeople
  • CBS News: Snake Found on Passenger Jet in Australia, Delaying Flight 2 Hourscbsnews
  • The Independent: Snake on a Plane Delays Flight in Australiaindependent
  • CNN: Snake on a Plane Delays a Flight in Australiacnn
  • SimpleFlying: Snakes On A Plane: When Serpents Have Caused Panic Onboardsimpleflying
Similar Stories
In Pakistan, this banyan tree has been arrested since 1898

In Pakistan, this banyan tree has been arrested since 1898

In Pakistan, a tree has been arrested and chained since 1898. When a British officer who was drunk assumed it was leaving its place, it was arrested. The tree, which is presently located on the grounds of the Pakistan Army's Landi Kotal cantonment, continues to attract visitors and locals everywhere.

Mystery SOLVED: blood Rain in India

Mystery SOLVED: blood Rain in India

The dissemination of spores of microalgae has been identified as the origin of the 'Blood Rain' phenomena, according to a new study by Indian and Austrian experts. Since 1896, reports of intermittent red-colored rain in portions of Kerala and Sri Lanka have been coming in. The most recent one occurred in 2013 over Kerala.

Story of Peng Shuilin: Man with only half a body

Story of Peng Shuilin: Man with only half a body

We have a habit of whining in our daily lives. We never seem to be pleased with the things we have in life. "I want to be skinny," fat people say, "I want to be fat," slim people say. Poor people aspire to be wealthy, and wealthy people are never satisfied with their status. Everywhere we go, we're whining. Can you image how a man would want to live if he didn't have any legs or bums at all?

The story of The chicken that lived for 18 months without a head

The story of The chicken that lived for 18 months without a head

Mike the Headless Chicken was a rooster whose head was accidentally chopped off but miraculously survived. This is due to most of the brain stem being left intact. He was fed using a special tube that delivered food directly into his esophagus. Despite his lack of a head, he lived for 18 months, gaining worldwide fame before ultimately choking on a kernel of corn during one of his tours, in a Motel in Fruita, Colorado.

Brazilian Man with Rare ‘Upside Down’ Condition Becomes Successful Accountant and Speaker

Brazilian Man with Rare ‘Upside Down’ Condition Becomes Successful Accountant and Speaker

Born in Brazil with the rare and debilitating condition congenital arthrogryposis, which caused his head to be positioned upside down, this man was once written off by doctors who urged his mother to let him starve. Defying grim predictions, he overcame immense challenges to become a successful accountant and a powerful international motivational speaker, inspiring millions worldwide.