A stowaway managed to board a Delta Airlines flight from New York to Paris, bypassing several security checks at JFK Airport, raising significant concerns about airport security protocols.
The stowaway, who did not possess a boarding pass, successfully passed through security screening and managed to evade identity verification checkpoints. According to the U.S. Transportation Security Administration (TSA), the individual was not carrying any prohibited items, yet the incident has highlighted vulnerabilities in airport security systems.
Details surrounding how the stowaway, identified as a U.S. green card holder, avoided security measures remain unclear. Delta Airlines has refrained from providing further information as the investigation is ongoing. Passengers, unaware of the security breach during the flight, only learned of the situation after landing at Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport, according to fellow passenger Rob Jackson.
Jackson recounted the event, noting the announcement made upon arrival in Paris, instructing passengers to stay seated due to a ‘serious security issue.’ A video captured by Jackson reveals the captain asking passengers to remain on the plane while authorities addressed the unauthorized traveler on board.
The stowaway, described as a woman between 55 and 60 years old holding a Russian passport, is currently detained in France and awaits deportation to the United States. French airport officials disclosed that she had applied for asylum in France prior to the incident, although details on her mental condition remain undisclosed.
This breach occurred on one of the busiest travel days, with TSA data reporting nearly 2.7 million air travelers. The event underscores the urgency for enhanced security measures. Delta has expressed their commitment to an exhaustive investigation in cooperation with aviation stakeholders and law enforcement agencies.
Former pilot JP Tristani, speaking to WABC, emphasized the gravity of the breach, noting that even standby passengers must pass through gate checks. He described the oversight as a severe lapse in security protocols, stating, ‘This is inconceivable.’
The security breach on the Delta flight from New York to Paris serves as a stark reminder of the gaps that may exist in airport security processes. As investigations continue, the incident highlights the need for rigorous checks to ensure the safety of all air travelers.
Source: WSVN
