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Stowaway on Delta Flight from N.Y.C. to Paris Causes Return Flight Disruption
2024-12-01
In a remarkable incident that unfolded during the Thanksgiving travel rush, a stowaway managed to sneak onto a Delta Airlines flight from New York City to Paris. This individual hid in the bathrooms and caused quite a disruption. According to CBS and CNN, the woman was set to fly from Charles de Gaulle Airport in France back to John F. Kennedy International Airport in N.Y.C. on Delta Flight No. 265 when French officials took action prior to takeoff.

Disruptive Incident and Flight Delays

The stowaway was reportedly very disruptive after being escorted to the plane by authorities. This led to a delay of more than two hours for the flight. Police later removed her from the flight, causing quite a commotion. The incident not only affected the flight schedule but also raised questions about airport security and boarding procedures.

Charles de Gaulle Airport in France is a major hub, and such incidents can have a significant impact on operations. The woman's presence on the plane was a serious breach of security protocols, and it highlighted the need for stricter measures to prevent such occurrences in the future.

French officials have yet to release the woman's identity, but CNN reports that she has a driver's license from Philadelphia and is in the U.S. on a green card. She is also reportedly native to Russia, as learned from the French Ministry of the Interior. This information adds another layer of complexity to the case and raises questions about her motives and intentions.

Pre-Flight Hold and Security Breach

Prior to the attempted flight back to the U.S., the woman had been held at a waiting zone in the airport. This was because she did not meet the conditions to enter Europe. Her ability to bypass two identity verification and boarding status stations and board the aircraft without a boarding pass is a serious concern.

TSA and Delta Airlines both declined to provide additional information to PEOPLE, leaving many questions unanswered. The lack of cooperation from these agencies makes it difficult to fully understand the circumstances surrounding the stowaway incident.

A flight attendant discovered the stowaway while the flight was in the air, growing suspicious of her frequent, long visits to the plane's bathrooms. This highlights the importance of vigilant flight attendants in maintaining the safety and security of passengers.

Delta's Response and Ongoing Investigations

On Nov. 28, a spokesperson for Delta told PEOPLE that "nothing is of greater importance than matters of safety and security." The airline added that it is conducting an exhaustive investigation into what may have occurred and will work collaboratively with other aviation stakeholders and law enforcement.

Delta's statement emphasizes their commitment to safety and their willingness to take action to address such incidents. The ongoing investigations will likely shed more light on the details of the stowaway case and help prevent similar incidents from happening in the future.

Despite the challenges and uncertainties surrounding the incident, Delta and other airlines are constantly working to improve their security measures and ensure the safety of their passengers. This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of vigilance and cooperation in the aviation industry.

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