Snake Disrupts Virgin Australia Flight, Causes Two-Hour Delay

A domestic flight in Australia faced a significant delay when a snake was discovered in the plane’s cargo hold. The incident occurred on July 1, 2023, involving Virgin Australia Flight VA337, which was scheduled to travel from Melbourne Airport to Brisbane. Officials confirmed that the flight was delayed for approximately two hours due to this unexpected stowaway.

The snake was found as passengers were boarding the aircraft. According to snake catcher Mark Pelley, he was alerted to the presence of the reptile shortly before takeoff. Initially, Pelley believed the snake could be venomous, given the dim lighting in the cargo hold.

“It wasn’t until after I caught the snake that I realized that it wasn’t venomous. Until that point, it looked very dangerous to me,” Pelley stated. The snake was later identified as a harmless 60-centimeter green tree snake, which is common in the region.

Most of the world’s most venomous snakes are native to Australia, making the discovery particularly alarming for those on board. Despite the initial concerns, the situation was handled promptly, and the snake was safely removed.

Passengers experienced a delay in their journey, but the incident highlights the unique challenges that can arise in air travel. While the snake posed no real threat, it certainly added an unusual twist to the day’s events.

Airline officials are reviewing procedures to prevent similar occurrences in the future, ensuring the safety and comfort of all passengers. The incident serves as a reminder of the unexpected nature of wildlife interactions, particularly in a country known for its diverse fauna.