Overview
- A mechanic preparing an ATR42 for a Fukuoka–Kagoshima service first spotted the snake beneath the cabin carpet, which on Monday, October 19 led to the flight being cancelled.
- The reptile measured about 40cm, was identified as non-venomous and harmless, and was caught roughly 24 hours later by a wildlife control expert.
- The aircraft had arrived at Fukuoka from Izumo earlier that day and was due to depart for Kagoshima when the snake was found.
- Japan Air Commuter and parent Japan Airlines said the event was unprecedented for their cabins, apologised to affected passengers, and said they suspect a wild origin but have not determined how it entered the plane.
- The incident echoes rare international cases of snakes carried into aircraft and could prompt sharper checks of ground access and cabin gaps to reduce future operational disruption for passengers.