In a real-life scene echoing the 2006 thriller Snakes on a Plane, a Virgin Australia flight experienced an unusual delay caused by an unexpected reptile passenger. On July 1, 2025, Flight VA337 from Melbourne to Brisbane was held for two hours when crew members found a green tree snake in the aircraft’s cargo hold.
The Unexpected Discovery
A rough green snake ( Opheodrys Aestivus ) stretching out
Ground crew members noticed the snake among luggage in the cargo area as passengers boarded the Boeing 737 at Melbourne Airport. Identified as a harmless green tree snake about 60 centimeters (2 feet) long, the reptile probably entered through a passenger’s suitcase during an earlier Brisbane flight.
Swift Action by the Snake Catcher
Authorities called professional snake catcher Mark Pelley to resolve the situation. Pelley carefully approached the dim cargo hold, unsure of the snake’s species or potential threat. He located the reptile partially concealed behind a panel, where it might have slipped deeper into the plane’s structure. Acting quickly, Pelley captured the snake on his first try, preventing a lengthy search operation.
Flight Delay and Passenger Response
Flight VA337 departed two hours late due to the incident. Virgin Australia thanked passengers for their understanding and confirmed all safety procedures were properly followed to protect everyone onboard.
Quarantine Measures and the Snake’s Fate
Australian quarantine laws prevented releasing the green tree snake into the wild. A Melbourne veterinarian took custody of the reptile and is arranging for its transfer to a licensed snake keeper.
Australia’s Wildlife and Aviation Challenges
The open road in Kimberly, Western Australia.
Australia hosts diverse wildlife including many snake species. While snake encounters occur regularly in various locations, finding one aboard a commercial aircraft remains uncommon. This event demonstrates how Australia’s abundant biodiversity can create unique challenges for modern transportation systems.
A Rare Occurrence
The snake on plane incident involving Virgin Australia’s Flight VA337 illustrates how unexpected situations can disrupt air travel. Thanks to experts like Mark Pelley and strict safety measures, the situation ended safely. As Australia navigates its natural heritage alongside modern infrastructure, such occurrences highlight the need for readiness when nature intrudes on human systems.