An airport in central Australia is preparing for its summer snake season after reports of dozens of sightings around its terminal, including inside an airline lounge and staff offices.
According to reports by Kids News and the NT News, snake catcher Rex Neindorf has removed several reptiles from Alice Springs Airport, prompting renewed attention to how wildlife can enter busy public spaces as temperatures rise. Airport operator Airport Development Group (ADG) says it is monitoring areas of concern and has arrangements in place for professional snake removal.
Why snakes are entering the airport
The sightings are linked to the extreme summer heat of Australia’s Northern Territory, where snakes seek shade and shelter during the hottest parts of the day.
Buildings can provide cooler spaces and potential hiding places, making airport interiors attractive to reptiles moving through the surrounding landscape.Conservation biologist Chris Jolly, an adjunct research fellow at Charles Darwin University, explained in the Kids News report that snakes do not distinguish between natural habitats and human-built structures. If a building offers shelter, water or access to prey, it can become a suitable place for them to explore.
The sightings do not necessarily indicate a sudden increase in the local snake population. Seasonal weather conditions can make snakes more active at certain times, increasing the likelihood of encounters with people. In Central Australia, their activity may shift towards the cooler evening and night hours when daytime temperatures become particularly intense.
Snakes have appeared in passenger and staff areas
Local snake catcher Rex Neindorf said his team had removed reptiles from several parts of Alice Springs Airport, including departure and arrival entrances, passenger check-in areas and the Qantas lounge.
He also described incidents involving two western brown snakes found inside the terminal, one in a public area and another in an office used by airport employees.Western brown snakes are highly venomous and can pose a serious risk if approached or provoked. Neindorf has also encountered whip snakes around the airport, which are generally considered less dangerous than western brown snakes but should still be left alone.The reports have raised concerns about the possibility of encounters in areas used by large numbers of travellers. However, Neindorf said he was not aware of any snake-related injuries at the airport, either inside the terminal or on its grounds.
Airport steps up monitoring as temperatures rise
ADG, which manages Alice Springs Airport as well as Darwin and Tennant Creek airports, has begun monitoring locations where snakes are more likely to appear as the weather warms.
The company has also said it uses warning signs to alert passengers and calls trained snake catchers when reptiles need to be removed.Neindorf has previously provided snake-safety training to airport employees, helping staff recognise potential hazards and respond appropriately. The airport’s approach focuses on monitoring, awareness and professional relocation rather than allowing workers or passengers to handle the animals themselves.The airport is located in a region where encounters with snakes are a recurring seasonal concern. Alice Springs Town Council advises residents who spot a snake to maintain a safe distance and contact a professional catcher. Its guidance also warns against approaching or attempting to capture reptiles, even when their species is uncertain.
How travellers can stay safe
Authorities and wildlife specialists advise people to avoid approaching snakes, attempting to move them or blocking their escape routes.
Anyone who spots a snake inside the airport should alert airport staff and keep other passengers away from the area.For now, the reported sightings highlight a seasonal challenge for a facility operating in the middle of Australia’s arid landscape. As temperatures climb, airport staff will need to remain alert to the possibility of reptiles entering buildings, while ensuring that passengers can move safely through the terminal.