diff --git a/bindings/python/ns3/__init__.py b/bindings/python/ns3/__init__.py
index 943a01575..cd1f9ec82 100644
--- a/bindings/python/ns3/__init__.py
+++ b/bindings/python/ns3/__init__.py
@@ -1,4 +1,7 @@
 
 from _ns3 import *
 
+import atexit
+atexit.register(Simulator.Destroy)
+del atexit