We have already had Snakes on a Plane, now Australian flag-carrier Qantas has gone one better with the release of a crocodile on a flight.

Baggage handlers discovered the animal while unloading a flight from Brisbane at Melbourne Airport earlier.

The reptile reportedly escaped its cage during the two hour flight.

“An incident involving a live animal in the cargo hold of a Qantas aircraft is being investigated,” airline spokeswoman Lauren Blank said in a statement.

“The animal was quickly and safely secured when the aircraft arrived in Melbourne.

“The investigation is focusing on whether it had been loaded appropriately on delivery to Australian air Express.”

Australian air Express is an air freight carrier which transports cargo on its own aircraft as well as Qantas and Jetstar passenger flights.

The organisation did not respond to requests for comment.