Stowaway breaches security measures, boards flight from New York to Paris

In a notable security incident at John F. Kennedy International Airport in the United States, Svetlana Dali, a 57-year-old Russian national, was able to board a Delta Air Lines flight to Paris on November 26, 2024, without having a ticket or valid travel documents. Dali managed to evade TSA security checks and boarding protocols by blending in with airline crew members who were entering through a secure lane meant for employees. She was initially denied entry when she could not produce a boarding pass but returned shortly thereafter and succeeded in bypassing the checks. Her presence was only detected by the flight attendants mid-air, leading to her apprehension upon arrival in Paris. Dali was detained by French authorities, who later returned her to the U.S. where she faced multiple charges, including stowaway and theft of services. This incident raised significant concerns regarding airport security protocols and the potential vulnerabilities within the screening process at major airports. Following her arrest, it was revealed that Dali had attempted to breach security at other U.S. airports in the past, indicating a calculated effort to travel without a ticket. She was released on her own recognizance but under strict conditions, including electronic monitoring and a ban from all airports. The situation has sparked a discourse about airline and airport security measures and the responsibility of airlines to ensure that only ticketed individuals gain access to flights. Her case highlights not only the need for tighter security systems but also raises questions regarding the mental health and motivations of individuals attempting such acts.