A Virgin Australia flight from Melbourne to Brisbane was delayed Tuesday afternoon after a snake was discovered inside the aircraft’s cargo hold, according to the airline.
Flight VA337 was preparing for departure when ground crew found the reptile slithering among luggage. The airline identified the snake as a green tree snake, a non-venomous species native to Australia.
The discovery prompted an immediate response. Virgin Australia staff called a professional snake handler, who safely removed the animal. The incident delayed the flight for several hours as the aircraft remained at the gate during removal and security checks.
Airline officials suspect the snake may have escaped from a passenger’s suitcase. Investigations are ongoing to determine how the reptile entered the cargo area.
Green tree snakes, while harmless, are part of Australia’s diverse wildlife, which includes some of the world’s most venomous snake species. The airline emphasized that passenger safety was never compromised during the incident.
Passengers on board expressed concern about the delay, but Virgin Australia personnel remained on hand to provide updates and reassurance. No injuries were reported.
Once the snake was removed and safety protocols completed, the flight continued its journey to Brisbane without further issues.
Virgin Australia thanked passengers for their patience and reiterated its commitment to safety and strict operational standards. The airline noted that such wildlife-related incidents are rare but taken seriously.
