A 57-year-old Russian woman who stowed away on a Delta Air Lines flight from New York to Paris last week is being returned to the United States. The incident has raised serious concerns about airport security protocols after the woman managed to bypass multiple checkpoints at New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK).
Return Flight to the U.S.
The woman left Paris on Wednesday aboard a Delta flight from Charles de Gaulle Airport. She was escorted by two French security officials and remained seated quietly at the back of the plane during the flight. The aircraft is expected to land at JFK Airport in New York at 5:25 p.m. ET, where U.S. authorities will meet her for questioning.
Two earlier attempts to deport her were unsuccessful. On one occasion, the woman began screaming after boarding the plane, and on another, Delta declined to transport her without providing an explanation.
Passenger Concerns
Some passengers on Wednesday’s flight expressed apprehension. “She passed security, which means there was a failure somewhere,” said Zaid Haddad, a passenger. “I’m glad there’s security with her.”
Security Breach at JFK Airport
The initial incident occurred on one of the busiest travel days of the year when the woman bypassed security checkpoints at JFK. According to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), she evaded ID and boarding pass checks at the Known Crewmember checkpoint in Terminal 4 and later blended into a family group at the gate.
The woman hid in the lavatory during the flight and was discovered after the plane was en route to Paris. A TSA spokesperson confirmed that she was not carrying any prohibited items.
Delta and TSA Investigations
Delta Air Lines and law enforcement agencies are conducting investigations into how the woman was able to board the flight undetected.
“Nothing is of greater importance than matters of safety and security,” a Delta spokesperson said. “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.”
Broader Implications
The incident has highlighted vulnerabilities in airport security, prompting questions about how an unauthorized individual could bypass multiple layers of screening.
U.S. authorities are expected to question the woman upon her return to determine her motivations and how the security breach occurred. Further updates will follow as investigations continue.