Scaly stowaway stopped ahead of snake on a plane emergency

Queensland travellers almost had a Hollywood moment as quick thinking airline staff avoided a real-life snake on a plane emergency on Tuesday.

Airport staff catch a snake as it tries to board a Sydney-bound flight (Twitter/Stuart Robert)

Queensland travellers almost had a Hollywood moment as quick thinking airline staff avoided a real-life snake on a plane emergency on Tuesday.

A green snake attempted to slither on board a plane at the Gold Coast Airport around 7am, the ABC has reported.

Assistant Minister for Defence Stuart Robert was among the Sydney-bound passengers, posting his close call to social media.

Mr Robert also praised airport and airline staff for their prompt response to the scaly stowaway, saying the matter was handled within a matter of minutes.

“Full marks to the Virgin staff, a very professional outfit,” he said.