A Qantas spokesperson confirmed to media that the crocodile measured up to 60 centimetres in length and was caught by unsuspecting baggage handlers as they unloaded luggage in Melbourne upon landing, Ninemsn reported.
"The animal was quickly and safely secured when the aircraft arrived in Melbourne," the spokesperson said.
"The investigation is focusing on whether it had been loaded appropriately on delivery to Australian air Express."
Qantas has since launched an investigation to determine how the crocodile escaped its cage.