PARIS- A 57-year-old Russian woman faced challenges in her attempted return to the United States (US) after illegally (stowaway) boarding a Delta Air Lines (DL) flight from New York (JFK) to Paris (CDG).
The woman initially breached multiple security checkpoints at JFK, successfully boarding a Delta flight from New York JFK to Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport without detection until the flight was nearly complete. Upon arrival in France, French authorities promptly detained her and rejected her asylum application.
Delta Russian Stowaway Denied Return
International aviation regulations mandate that airlines repatriate passengers who refuse entry to a country.
Delta Air Lines was initially scheduled to transport the woman back to New York on a Saturday afternoon flight. However, this attempt was abruptly terminated when the woman created a significant disturbance before the aircraft’s departure.
French authorities subsequently arranged a second repatriation attempt on Tuesday afternoon, scheduling her on Delta flight DL265 to New York JFK.
In an unexpected turn of events, Delta reportedly refused to transport the woman after she had already boarded the aircraft.
Hidden in Lavatory
Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officials confirmed the woman underwent standard security checks and did not possess prohibited items.
However, investigators believe she concealed herself in the aircraft’s lavatory during most of the flight, evading detection by flight attendants who are required to inspect lavatories before departure.
Delta Air Lines initially refused to transport the woman back to the United States, even with six U.S. marshals escorting her.
If Delta cannot accommodate the woman on its scheduled flights, the airline may be obligated to charter a private aircraft for her transportation back to the United States, incurring significant additional costs.
Witness Remarks
Another passenger, Gary Treichler, told CNN about the stowaway’s defiant stance during the flight, quoting her as repeatedly stating, “I do not want to go back to the USA. Only a judge can make me go back to the USA.”
Transportation Security Administration (TSA) inspectors are actively investigating the security breach at John F. Kennedy International Airport. Spokesperson Alexa Lopez confirmed the agency is preparing a civil case after reviewing airport security video, highlighting potential procedural violations.
While the TSA cannot file criminal charges, the agency can refer potential criminal matters to the Justice Department. The investigation remains ongoing to determine how the woman successfully circumvented multiple security checkpoints without a ticket.
The woman was originally scheduled for repatriation accompanied by six American marshals, though the U.S. Marshals Service explicitly stated they were not involved in this specific operation.
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