Passengers boarding a Virgin flight from Broome to Perth were in for a surprise when a slippery stowaway—a Stimson’s python—slithered onto the scene.
The drama unfolded on Thursday (21 November 2024) morning as the non-venomous snake caused a 20-minute delay.
The unexpected hero of the day was television personality Andre Rerekura, known for his role in Shipwreck Hunters Australia. Despite his expertise with marine life, Rerekura proved just as adept with reptiles.
As the python glided past alarmed passengers’ feet, Rerekura sprang into action, calmly retrieving the snake and safely removing it from the aircraft.
“There were a few people with their feet up, a bit worried,” Rerekura recounted to ABC.
“As soon as I saw it, I knew it was harmless—just scared and shy.”
Passengers and crew cheered as the python was escorted off, sparing everyone the inconvenience of disembarking. Rerekura’s quick thinking earned him a complimentary soda water from the grateful crew.
The flight attendant captured the mood over the intercom:
“There is never a dull moment in aviation, but that certainly takes the cake!”
Virgin Airlines confirmed the incident, thanking passengers for their patience and assuring the snake’s safe removal. While the reptile’s unexpected boarding method remains a mystery, Broome International Airport officials reported minimal disruption.
Stimson’s pythons are a common sight in northern Australia, especially during warmer months. Non-venomous and patterned with reddish-brown blotches, they are typically harmless.
This incident joins a peculiar history of airborne reptile encounters, including a recent case of a snake spotted in an overhead compartment on a Thai flight. Yet for the passengers of Flight VA1482, Rerekura’s calm heroics ensured a memorable—if slightly delayed—journey to Perth.
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