A stowaway managed to evade multiple airport security checkpoints and board a Delta Airlines flight from New York to Paris. The incident has raised concerns about airport security measures.
The individual, who did not possess a boarding pass, successfully passed through security screening and bypassed two identity verification and boarding status stations to board the aircraft. The US Transportation Security Administration (TSA) confirmed that the person did not have any prohibited items.
The stowaway, identified as a US green card holder, somehow managed to bypass the boarding stations. Delta Airlines has not provided any additional information as the investigation is ongoing.
Passengers on Delta flight 264 from New York to Paris were not informed about the stowaway until the plane landed in Paris. The stowaway reportedly hid in a lavatory at the rear of the aircraft throughout the flight. The first announcement about the security issue was made after landing when French police were called to handle the situation.
The stowaway, a woman between 55 and 60 years old with a Russian passport, will be sent back to the United States. She is currently in a waiting zone at Charles de Gaulle airport for deportation as she does not meet the requirements to enter Europe. The woman had applied for asylum in France a few years ago.
Delta Airlines emphasized the importance of safety and security and stated that they are conducting a thorough investigation into the incident. The breach occurred on one of the busiest travel days of the year, with nearly 2.7 million passengers traveling on airplanes.
A former commercial pilot highlighted the severity of the security breach, stating that even stand-by passengers are not allowed to board without going through the gate agent. The pilot expressed disbelief at the failure in security measures.
The incident has sparked concerns about the effectiveness of airport security protocols and the need for stricter measures to prevent similar incidents in the future. Authorities are working to determine how the stowaway managed to bypass multiple checkpoints and board the flight undetected. Passengers and airline staff have been reminded to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to ensure the safety of all travelers.
