Broome flight delayed after python found onboard before being removed by TV personality Andre Rerekura

Passengers on a flight from Broome to Perth got an unexpected taste of outback drama when a python was discovered onboard before being casually removed by an Australian TV personality.

The slippery surprise was discovered before Virgin flight VA 1482 was scheduled to take off from Broome at 10.30am on Thursday, grounding the plane for an extra 20 minutes as it was safely removed.

A video posted to Instagram shows TV personality Andre Rerekura, who stars on Disney’s Shipwreck Hunters Australia, being applauded as he returns to his seat after removing the Stimsons python.

Commonly found in the North West, the pythons are non-venomous but can deliver a painful bite.

An air hostess can be heard explaining to passengers over the intercom of what had unfolded.

“There is never a dull moment in aviation — but that certainly takes the cake,” she said.

“We do have a gentleman onboard who has safely taken it off the aircraft.

“We are going to continue as normal — I don’t really know what else to say.”

In a statement, Virgin Australia said it was aware of an incident on the flight where a snake was found on board and thanked their passengers for their patience.

“In this scenario, crew would typically report the incident and call a professional to remove the wildlife from the aircraft,” the statement said.

“On this occasion, a passenger removed the snake while this process was underway.

“The snake was then handed over to the airport reporting officer.”