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Snake on Dubai-bound Emirates flight grounds plane

Dubai - Emirates has confirmed the reptile's presence in the cargo.

In a scene reminiscent of actor Samuel L. Jackson's 2006 cult classic "Snakes on a Plane", an Emirates flight from Muscat to Dubai was cancelled because of a serpentine stowaway discovered in the cargo hold.
"Emirates can confirm that flight EK0863 from Muscat to Dubai on 8 January 2017, was cancelled due to a detection of a snake in the cargo hold prior to passengers boarding," an Emirates spokesperson said in a statement.
"Engineering and cleaning teams are working to clear the aircraft to re-enter service," the spokesperson added. "We apologise for the inconvience caused."
The aircraft re-entered service soon after the reptile was removed.
Emirates is not the only airline to have experienced a case of "snakes on a plane" in recent months.

In November 2016, passengers on an Aeromexico flight between the northern Mexican city of Torreon and Mexico City were shocked to find a large green snake slithering out from behind an overhead luggage compartment while in flight. The serpent was eventually trapped by passengers using blankets provided by cabin crew.
Once the plane landed, the aircraft's passengers left the plane through the rear exit while animal control personnel came on board to take the wayward snake into custody.
reporters@khaleejtimes.com