Uninvited scaring passengers: Wildlife encounters in aviation

Air travel is designed to be a controlled and safe environment, but occasionally, uninvited wildlife such as snakes, spiders, and rodents find their way onto aircraft, leading to unexpected situations.

Tarantula terror on Iberia flight: A pilot was bitten mid-air by a tarantula-like spider on a Düsseldorf to Madrid flight, causing a medical emergency and flight delays. Photo (tarantula): Alan Kotok, Flickr CC BY 2.0 - Airplane: Markus Eigenheer, Flickr CC BY-SA 2.0

These incidents, while rare, highlight the challenges airlines face in maintaining a secure cabin environment.

Pilot bitten by a tarantula

On February 21, 2025, during a flight with Iberia Airlines, an Airbus A320 from Düsseldorf in Germany to Madrid in Spian, a pilot was according to the spanish outlet La Voz de Galicia. bitten by a tarantula believed to have boarded during a layover in Casablanca.

The pilot, allergic to spider bites, received medical treatment upon landing and was able to continue with his scheduled flights. The aircraft was subsequently fumigated, causing a three-hour delay before its next flight.

Spiders have also made unexpected appearances on other flights. In 2016, passengers on a Delta flight from Baltimore to Atlanta were startled when a large spider crawled out of an overhead bin. The flight crew managed to contain the spider, and the plane landed safely without further incident.

«Snakes on a Plane» (2006): An FBI agent (Samuel L. Jackson) escorts a key witness on a flight to Los Angeles, only to face a deadly mid-air crisis when a crate of venomous snakes is released to sabotage the mission. Chaos erupts at 30,000 feet as passengers and crew fight to survive the slithering menace. Photo: New Line Cinema

Snakes on a plane

The phrase «snakes on a plane» conjures images of the 2006 thriller film, but real-life incidents have occurred.

In November 2024, passengers on a Virgin Australia flight from Broome to Perth in Australia experienced a 20-minute delay after a non-venomous Stimson's python was discovered on board. Andre Rerekura, known for his role in Disney's «Shipwreck Hunters Australia», safely removed the snake, earning applause and a complimentary drink from the airline staff.

Recounting the incident, Rerekura mentioned to Independent that before takeoff, a passenger alerted the crew about the snake's presence. Initially, there was uncertainty, and plans were made to disembark passengers. However, upon spotting the "crazy cute" python near his seat, Rerekura, familiar with such reptiles, identified it as harmless and took action. He calmly picked up the snake and removed it from the aircraft, ensuring the safety and comfort of fellow passengers.

Andre Rerekura, an Australian underwater cinematographer and star of Disney's Shipwreck Hunters Australia, calmly removed a Stimson's python from a Virgin Australia flight in Broome, preventing delays and ensuring passenger safety. Photo: Disney +

In February 2022, passengers on an AirAsia flight from Kuala Lumpur to Tawau were alarmed to see a snake slithering inside an overhead light panel. The captain diverted the plane to Kuching for fumigation, and no passengers were harmed.

 In October 2022, a garter snake was found slithering in the business class section of a United Airlines flight arriving at Newark Liberty International Airport from Tampa, Florida. Passengers alerted the crew, and upon landing, the Port Authority police officers removed the snake without incident.

Rodent Run-ins

In October 2024, passengers on a Spirit Airlines flight from Dallas to Los Angeles were startled when they spotted a large rodent in the cabin's ceiling light. A video shared by Dallas Texas TV showed the creature, referred to by some as a «super rat», causing debate on social media about whether it was a rat, possum, or raccoon. Spirit Airlines has yet to comment on the incident.

In 2015, an Air India flight from New Delhi to Milan had to return shortly after takeoff when a rat was spotted in the cabin. The airline took precautionary measures to avoid potential damage to onboard systems.

Wildlife on Runways

Beyond in-flight encounters, animals on runways have also posed challenges for passenger airlines.

• Indian Airports: Stray animals, including dogs, antelope, cows, jackals, snakes, cats, and monkeys, have been reported on runways across India. For instance, in January 2018, a stray cow at Ahmedabad Airport caused chaos, leading to flight diversions and delays.

Preventive measures

Airlines have implemented various strategies to prevent wildlife from boarding aircraft:

• Stringent Cleaning Protocols: Regular and thorough cleaning of aircraft helps deter pests.

• Pest Control Programs: Routine inspections and treatments are conducted to minimize the risk of infestations.

• Cargo Inspections: Screening of cargo and luggage helps detect and prevent stowaways.