MUSCAT, Oman, Jan. 9 (UPI) -- Dubai-based airline Emirates confirmed a flight from Oman was canceled when a loose snake was found slithering around the cargo hold.
Emirates said the Sunday flight from Muscat to Dubai was canceled when baggage carriers discovered the serpentine stowaway shortly before passengers were due to begin boarding.
"Emirates can confirm that flight EK0863 from Muscat to Dubai on 8 January 2017, was canceled due to a detection of a snake in the cargo hold prior to passengers boarding," the airline said in a statement. "Engineering and cleaning teams are working to clear the aircraft to re-enter service. We apologize for the inconvenience caused."
The aircraft was cleared to re-enter service shortly after the incident, the airline said.
The incident drew obligatory references to the 2006 cult classic Snakes on a Plane, which featured action star Samuel L. Jackson facing off against numerous deadly snakes during a flight.
An Aeromexico flight was given a priority landing in Mexico City Nov. 6 when a venomous green viper descended from the overheard baggage compartment in the passenger area of the plane.
