Skip to contentSwipe for next articleIndependent Bulletin homepageDownload our appAllNewsSportCultureLifestyleWant to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Membership today.Join todayAlready a member? Log inMaroosha MuzaffarWednesday 21 October 2026 09:35 BSTA Japan Air Commuter flight - part of the Japan Airlines (JAL) group JAC - had to be cancelled after a snake was found in the cabin (AFP/Getty)A Japan Air Commuter flight was cancelled at Fukuoka Airport in Japan after a mechanic discovered a snake under an aircraft carpet.The 40cm-long reptile was identified as a harmless, non-venomous snake and was captured by a wildlife expert around 24 hours later.The plane had arrived from Izumo Airport and was preparing to depart for Kagoshima prefecture when the reptile was spotted.The airline apologised to passengers for the disruption and stated it was the first time a snake had ever been found inside one of its cabins.Japan Air Commuter confirmed it is investigating how the wild snake managed to board the aircraft.In fullSnake on plane leads to cancellation of flight in JapanMore bulletinsThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in