Live snake discovered on Japan Airlines aircraft after cockpit sighting

A live snake measuring approximately 40 centimeters in length was discovered under the cabin carpet of a Japan Airlines affiliated plane at Fukuoka Airport, marking the second incident involving the reptile within 24 hours.

The aircraft had been grounded the previous day after a pilot reported sighting an unidentified animal in the cockpit. The discovery prompted the airline to cancel the scheduled flight, with authorities subsequently launching an investigation to locate the serpent.

Grounding crews conducting post-incident inspections of the aircraft eventually located the snake concealed beneath carpeting in the cabin area. The find confirmed that the animal spotted earlier by the pilot remained on board throughout the grounding period.

Japan Airlines has not disclosed details regarding how the snake accessed the aircraft or its species. The incident has raised questions about airport security procedures and aircraft inspection protocols at the Fukuoka facility.

The discovery represents one of several unusual incidents involving animals on commercial aircraft in recent years across Asia-Pacific airports. Authorities did not provide further details on the disposition of the snake or potential charges related to its presence on the aircraft.