In what appeared to be a 'New Year scare', a snake on an Emirates's aircraft preparing for boarding led to the cancellation of a flight from Muscat to Dubai on Sunday.

“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 airline spokesperson said.

“Engineering and cleaning teams are working to clear the aircraft to re-enter service. We apologise for the inconvenience caused.”

In November last year, a snake emerged from the ceiling of an Aeromexico airlines' aircraft while flying from Torreon to Mexico City.

The snake has since been removed from the plane and the aircraft has re-entered service, Emirates confirmed Monday afternoon.