A domestic Virgin Australia flight faced a surprising delay when a snake was discovered in the plane’s cargo hold. On July 2, 2025, passengers boarding Flight VA337 from Melbourne to Brisbane were met with an unexpected stowaway, causing a two-hour wait.
- Snake found in Virgin Australia flight cargo
- Flight delayed for two hours
- Snake catcher identified it as non-venomous
- Green tree snake native to Brisbane region
- Snake could have traveled in passenger luggage
- Reptile handed to veterinarian for care
Snake catcher Mark Pelley found the reptile partially hidden in the dimly lit hold. Initially, he feared it might be venomous, but it turned out to be a non-venomous green tree snake, native to the Brisbane area. Pelley expressed concern that the snake could escape further into the aircraft, prompting a swift capture to avoid a potential evacuation.
This incident raises questions about wildlife and air travel safety. How often do creatures find their way onto flights unnoticed? The unexpected presence of wildlife can lead to significant delays and safety concerns.
- Airlines must enhance inspections to prevent wildlife stowaways.
- Passengers could unknowingly transport animals in their luggage.
- Such incidents can disrupt travel plans and raise safety issues.
As air travel continues to connect global communities, it’s essential for airlines to implement stricter protocols to ensure both passenger safety and wildlife protection.
