MELBOURNE, VIC — An unexpected reptilian passenger caused a two-hour delay for a domestic flight in Australia, officials reported on Wednesday. The incident occurred when a green tree snake was discovered in the cargo hold of Virgin Australia Flight VA337 as it prepared to depart Melbourne Airport for Brisbane.
The discovery was made on Tuesday, just as passengers were boarding the aircraft. Snake catcher Mark Pelley was called to the scene to handle the situation. Initially, Pelley was uncertain about the snake’s species and potential danger due to the dim lighting in the 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 said.
A Close Call with Nature’s Intruder
Australia is home to many of the world’s most venomous snakes, adding a layer of urgency to the situation. When Pelley entered the cargo hold, the snake was partially concealed behind a panel, posing a risk of disappearing further into the aircraft.
Pelley advised the airline staff and an aircraft engineer that an evacuation might be necessary if the snake managed to hide deeper within the plane’s structure.
“I said to them if I don’t get this in one shot, it’s going to sneak through the panels and you’re going to have to evacuate the plane because at that stage I did not know what kind of snake it was,” Pelley explained. “But thankfully, I got it on the first try and captured it.”
Logistical Challenges and Quick Thinking
The snake catcher’s journey to the airport was not without its own delays. Pelley took approximately 30 minutes to drive to the airport and faced additional delays at security before reaching the aircraft. The flight ultimately experienced a two-hour delay due to the incident.
Virgin Australia acknowledged the delay, emphasizing the importance of ensuring passenger safety and the integrity of the aircraft before proceeding with the flight.
From Cargo Hold to New Home
Given that the green tree snake is native to the Brisbane area, it is suspected that the reptile might have entered the plane via a passenger’s luggage during the flight from Brisbane to Melbourne. However, due to quarantine regulations, the snake cannot be returned to the wild.
As a protected species, the snake has been entrusted to a Melbourne veterinarian tasked with finding it a suitable home with a licensed snake keeper.
Looking Forward: Aviation and Wildlife Interactions
This incident highlights the unique challenges faced by airlines operating in regions with diverse wildlife. While rare, such encounters underscore the importance of vigilance and preparedness in ensuring passenger safety.
Experts suggest that airlines operating in areas with rich biodiversity might consider additional measures to prevent similar occurrences, such as enhanced luggage inspections and cargo hold checks.
As for the passengers of Flight VA337, they eventually reached their destination safely, albeit with an unusual story to share. The incident serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of travel and the importance of readiness for the unexpected.
For now, the green tree snake’s adventure has concluded, and it awaits a new chapter in the care of a licensed keeper, far from the bustling corridors of an airport.




