Stowaway Found on Delta Flight from New York to Paris

A Delta Air Lines flight from New York to Paris became the center of a security investigation after a stowaway was discovered onboard shortly before landing at Paris-Charles De Gaulle Airport. The incident occurred on flight DL 264 on November 26, 2024, raising concerns about airport security protocols.

The stowaway, a female whose age remains undisclosed, was found during the transatlantic journey aboard a Boeing 767-400, registered as N838MH. Despite the discovery, the flight crew decided to continue to the scheduled destination. Upon arrival in Paris, French police took the woman into custody, and a comprehensive investigation was launched to ascertain how she managed to bypass security at New York-JFK Airport without a valid boarding pass.

Passengers aboard the flight reported unusual activity, noting that the woman was moving frequently between bathrooms, which eventually aroused the suspicion of the flight attendants. She was found hiding in a bathroom towards the end of the seven-hour flight. After landing, the captain informed passengers over the intercom that police were on their way to address the situation, instructing everyone to remain seated until the issue was resolved.

The security breach has drawn significant attention, particularly regarding how the woman evaded JFK Airport’s security measures, including the advanced imaging technology body scanners. According to a Transportation Security Administration (TSA) source speaking to CBS News, the woman passed through the body scanner but seemingly skipped the document and ID check at the security checkpoint. Her bags were also scanned, and no prohibited items were found.

This incident has sparked an extensive investigation by both French law enforcement and the TSA. The TSA confirmed that the woman had undergone the standard security screening process but managed to bypass identity verification checks at two different points, raising questions about the effectiveness of the current security systems at airports. The TSA also stated that the woman could face a civil penalty or fine for her actions.

Delta Air Lines has responded to the incident by initiating a thorough investigation into the security lapse. In a statement, Delta emphasized that safety and security are of utmost importance and that the airline is committed to understanding how the breach occurred. They also assured that they would collaborate with aviation stakeholders and law enforcement to prevent such incidents in the future.

This security breach comes at a time when airport staff, particularly in the US, are under pressure due to the high volume of travelers during the annual Thanksgiving period. The investigation will likely explore several potential weaknesses in security protocols, including the possibility that the Thanksgiving rush could have played a role in the oversight.

The discovery of the stowaway and the subsequent investigations underscore the ongoing challenges and complexities of airport security, particularly in handling unexpected breaches of protocol that pose serious questions about the safeguards against unauthorized access to aircraft.

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