Overview
- A cleaner discovered a reddish-brown snake on a TUI Boeing 787 after the flight from Cancun to London Gatwick and a ground worker photographed the animal before it disappeared from the cabin.
- The aircraft was taken out of service and technicians and animal specialists were called in to search the cabin and systems but the snake has not been located days later.
- Initial reports described the reptile as a mildly venomous mock viper, but TUI has rejected the venomous claim and some experts have suggested the non-venomous Salmon-bellied Racer as an alternative identification.
- Unnamed sources told some outlets the snake may have been smuggled on board in Cancun, and the airline says it is following aviation safety guidance while investigating the incident.
- The case highlights airline biosecurity risks from unauthorised animals and the practical challenge of locating small stowaways inside large aircraft without disrupting wider flight operations.