Stowaway raises security concerns on transatlantic Delta flight

A stowaway managed to travel across the Atlantic without a ticket, raising significant security concerns at New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK). The individual boarded a Delta Air Lines flight to Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG) without a boarding pass, evading multiple security checkpoints.

Reports indicate that the flight was full, prompting the passenger to hide in lavatories throughout the journey, moving periodically to avoid detection by the crew. Other passengers were informed of the situation only after landing when the captain announced that police would board the aircraft upon arrival at CDG. In a video recorded by passenger Rob Jackson, the captain stated, “Folks, this is the captain, we are just waiting for the police to come on board. They may be here now and they directed us to keep everyone on the airplane until we sort out the extra passenger that’s on the plane.”

The incident has raised questions about how such a breach could occur despite TSA security checks at JFK. Delta Air Lines emphasized its commitment to safety and security in a statement: “Nothing is of greater importance than matters of safety and security. That’s why Delta is conducting an exhaustive investigation of what may have occurred and will work collaboratively with other aviation stakeholders and law enforcement to that end.”