Emirates flight from Muscat to Dubai cancelled after snake found on plane

An Emirates flight from Muscat to Dubai was cancelled on Sunday after a snake was found on the plane.

The snake was found in the cargo hold by a staff member and removed from the aircraft.

It was unclear whether the snake was owned by a passenger, a stowaway from another country or local wildlife.

“Emirates can confirm that flight EK0863 from Muscat to Dubai on January 8, 2017 was cancelled due to a detection of a snake in the cargo hold prior to passengers boarding,” a spokesperson said.

“Engineering and cleaning teams are working to clear the aircraft to re-enter service. We apologise for the inconvenience caused.”

This is not the first time a snake has been found in a plane. Last September, a deadly snake – an African puff adder – was found in an air cargo shipment in Dubai, according to the Municipality’s pest control department.

Oman is estimated to have 22 species of snakes while the UAE is home to several snake breeds including the saw-scaled viper, Oman carpet viper and the Persian false horned and horned vipers.