Snake Found on Virgin Australia Flight Causes Two-Hour Delay

Key Takeaways

• A green tree snake caused a two-hour delay on Virgin Australia flight VA337 on July 1, 2025.
• Professional snake catcher Mark Pelley safely removed the 60 cm non-venomous snake from the cargo hold.
• Australia’s strict biosecurity laws required the snake to be rehomed, not released in Victoria.

A green tree snake caused an unusual delay for a Virgin Australia domestic flight on July 1, 2025, highlighting the importance of wildlife management and strict biosecurity rules in Australia 🇦🇺. The incident, which took place at Melbourne Airport as passengers boarded flight VA337 to Brisbane, brought together airline staff, a professional snake catcher, and government quarantine officials in a coordinated response. This event not only disrupted travel plans but also showcased how Australia 🇦🇺 handles unexpected wildlife encounters in its busy aviation sector.

What Happened on the Virgin Australia Domestic Flight?

On the morning of July 1, 2025, passengers preparing to board Virgin Australia flight VA337 from Melbourne to Brisbane faced an unexpected two-hour delay. The reason: a green tree snake, about 60 centimeters (2 feet) long, was discovered in the plane’s cargo hold. The discovery was made by ground staff as they loaded luggage, and the snake’s presence immediately raised safety concerns.

At first, staff could not tell if the snake was dangerous because the cargo area was dimly lit. In Australia 🇦🇺, where many snakes are venomous, any snake sighting is taken very seriously. The airline quickly called in Mark Pelley, a professional snake catcher, to handle the situation.

How Was the Snake Removed?

Mark Pelley arrived at the airport after a 30-minute drive, facing extra security checks before reaching the aircraft. He found the green tree snake partly hidden behind a panel in the cargo hold. This made the job tricky, as there was a real risk the snake could slip deeper into the plane’s structure. If that had happened, the entire aircraft might have needed to be evacuated and even partly taken apart to find the animal.

Fortunately, Pelley managed to catch the snake on his first try. He later explained that if he had failed, engineers might still be searching the Boeing 737 for the reptile. The whole process, including Pelley’s travel and security delays, led to the two-hour delay for the Virgin Australia domestic flight.

Virgin Australia confirmed the details of the incident and the steps taken to ensure everyone’s safety. Passengers were kept informed throughout the process, and no injuries or further disruptions were reported.

What Kind of Snake Was It, and How Did It Get There?

The snake was identified as a green tree snake, a non-venomous species native to the Brisbane area. Experts believe it likely entered the cargo hold via a passenger’s luggage during the inbound flight from Brisbane to Melbourne. This is not uncommon, as snakes sometimes seek shelter in bags or containers.

Because of Australia’s strict quarantine laws, the snake could not simply be released back into the wild in Victoria. These laws are designed to protect local wildlife and prevent the spread of non-native species. Instead, the green tree snake was handed over to a Melbourne veterinarian, who will arrange for it to be rehomed with a licensed snake keeper. This careful handling is required by law, especially for protected species.

Why Are Quarantine and Wildlife Rules So Strict in Australia 🇦🇺?

Australia 🇦🇺 is known for its unique and sometimes dangerous wildlife. The country has some of the world’s most venomous snakes, and its strict quarantine rules are meant to protect both people and the environment. When a wild animal is found in an unusual place, like an airplane, special steps must be taken to make sure it does not harm anyone or upset the local ecosystem.

Quarantine rules also help stop the spread of diseases and pests that could damage crops, livestock, or native animals. This is why the green tree snake could not be released in Victoria, even though it is not dangerous to humans.

How Did the Airline and Authorities Respond?

Virgin Australia acted quickly by calling in a professional snake catcher and following all required safety and quarantine steps. The airline’s response was praised for minimizing disruption and keeping passengers safe. Mark Pelley, the snake catcher, pointed out that quick action was essential. If the snake had escaped deeper into the plane, the delay could have been much longer, and the search much more complicated.

The incident also showed the value of having trained staff and clear procedures for dealing with wildlife at airports. According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, such incidents, while rare, highlight the need for ongoing training and strong partnerships between airlines, airport staff, and government agencies.

What Do Australia’s Aviation Safety Policies Say?

Australia’s aviation sector is guided by strict safety and security rules. The Australian Government’s Aviation White Paper, released in August 2024, sets out a long-term plan for keeping air travel safe, secure, and efficient through 2050. This plan includes:

• World-leading safety and security regulation
• Strong incident response and biosecurity measures
• Better passenger experience and consumer protection

The White Paper also announced the creation of an independent Aviation Industry Ombuds Scheme to help protect passengers’ rights. As of mid-2025, consultations on this scheme are still ongoing.

The draft Australian Airspace Policy Statement 2025, which is open for public feedback, will further shape how airspace is managed and how safety priorities are set. These policies are designed to handle both everyday operations and unexpected events, like a snake on a plane.

For more details on these policies, you can visit the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts official website.

How Does This Affect Passengers and Airlines?

For passengers, the main impact was a two-hour delay. Virgin Australia kept travelers updated, and there were no injuries or further problems. The incident serves as a reminder that, while rare, wildlife encounters can disrupt travel plans in Australia 🇦🇺.

For airlines and airports, the event highlights the need for:

• Wildlife management training for staff
• Quick response protocols for unexpected incidents
• Strong coordination with biosecurity and veterinary authorities
• Effective communication with passengers during delays

These steps help ensure that safety comes first and that any disruption is kept to a minimum.

What Happens to the Snake?

Because the green tree snake is a protected species, it could not be released into the wild in Victoria. Instead, it was given to a veterinarian, who will arrange for it to be rehomed with a licensed snake keeper. This process follows legal requirements and helps protect both the animal and the local environment.

What Are the Broader Implications for Immigration and Biosecurity?

Australia’s strict biosecurity rules are not just about wildlife—they also affect people moving to and from the country. These rules are part of the reason why Australia 🇦🇺 has such a strong reputation for protecting its environment and public health.

For immigrants, visitors, and returning residents, it’s important to understand that:

• All luggage is subject to inspection for animals, plants, and other restricted items
• Bringing in certain animals, plants, or food products can lead to fines or other penalties
• Biosecurity officers are trained to spot and handle risks quickly

Events like the green tree snake incident show why these rules matter. They help keep Australia 🇦🇺 safe and protect its unique wildlife.

How Common Are Snake Incidents on Planes in Australia 🇦🇺?

While snakes on planes make for dramatic headlines, such incidents are rare. However, Australia’s unique wildlife and strict quarantine laws mean that airport staff must always be alert. There have been similar cases in the past, which have led to ongoing improvements in training and procedures.

The Aviation White Paper and other policy updates reflect a broader commitment to safety, biosecurity, and passenger rights. These policies are regularly reviewed and updated to address new challenges.

What’s Next for Aviation Safety and Wildlife Management?

The Australian Government is continuing to roll out new policies and systems to improve aviation safety and efficiency. Some of the key developments include:

• Implementation of 56 policy initiatives from the Aviation White Paper
• Rollout of Airport Collaborative Decision Making (A-CDM) systems at major airports by the end of 2025
• Ongoing stakeholder consultations on the draft Australian Airspace Policy Statement 2025

These efforts are expected to make air travel even safer and more reliable, while also improving how unexpected incidents—like a snake on a plane—are handled.

Key Takeaways for Travelers and Stakeholders

• Wildlife encounters, while rare, can disrupt flights in Australia 🇦🇺
• Strict biosecurity and quarantine rules protect both people and the environment
• Airlines and airports have clear protocols for handling such incidents
• Passengers should always follow luggage and biosecurity guidelines
• Ongoing policy improvements aim to make air travel safer and more efficient

Summary Table: July 2025 Snake Incident on Virgin Australia Domestic Flight

What Should Passengers Do If They Experience a Similar Incident?

If you ever find yourself on a flight delayed by a wildlife incident, here are some practical steps:

• Stay calm and follow crew instructions
• Ask for updates if you need more information
• Understand that safety and biosecurity come first
• Be patient—delays are usually resolved as quickly as possible

For questions or concerns, you can contact Virgin Australia’s customer service through their official website or at airport service desks.

Where Can You Find More Information?

• Aviation Policy and Safety: Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts
• Biosecurity and Wildlife Management: Australian Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry
• Airline Information: Virgin Australia official website

Conclusion

The green tree snake incident on the Virgin Australia domestic flight is a reminder of the unique challenges faced by Australia’s aviation sector. Thanks to quick action by airline staff, Mark Pelley, and government authorities, the situation was resolved safely and efficiently. Ongoing policy improvements and strong biosecurity rules help keep both passengers and wildlife safe, ensuring that Australia 🇦🇺 remains a world leader in aviation safety and environmental protection.

As air travel continues to grow, both travelers and airlines must stay alert to the unexpected. By following rules and working together, everyone can help keep the skies safe—for people and for the creatures that sometimes find their way onto our planes.

Learn Today

Green tree snake → A non-venomous snake native to Brisbane, often found sheltering in luggage, safe to humans.
Biosecurity → Rules and measures protecting environments from harmful organisms, pests, and diseases.
Cargo hold → The storage area of an aircraft where luggage and goods are kept during flights.
Quarantine → Legal restrictions and procedures to prevent spread of non-native species or diseases.
Aviation White Paper → Australia’s 2024 government plan outlining long-term safety, security, and efficiency policies for aviation.

This Article in a Nutshell

On July 1, 2025, a green tree snake trapped in Virgin Australia’s VA337 cargo hold delayed the flight two hours. Thanks to expert Mark Pelley and strict biosecurity rules, the snake was safely removed and rehomed, showcasing Australia’s unique approach to wildlife safety in aviation.
— By VisaVerge.com