Flight Emirates #EK863 from Muscat was grounded after baggage handlers found the serpent in the cargo hold of the Boeing 777-300ER.
A spokesperson for the airline, quoted by Dubai-based media, said the snake was found before passengers boarded the plane.
The aircraft was searched before re-entering service and arriving at its destination several hours later.
“Emirates can confirm that flight #EK863 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.”