Two bodies discovered in JetBlue plane's landing gear after flight from JFK

On January 6, 2025, Broward County authorities reported that two individuals were found deceased in the landing gear compartment of a JetBlue passenger aircraft that had just arrived from New York City at the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport in Florida. The airline confirmed the discovery during a routine post-flight inspection. The plane had operated Flight 1801, landing shortly after 11 p.m. on the same night. Officials are currently investigating how the deceased gained access to the secured areas of the airplane prior to takeoff and how they managed to stow away during the flight. Initial assessments indicated that the bodies were in a state of severe decomposition, making immediate identification difficult. While the airline has withheld the identities pending investigation, early reports suggested both individuals were male. The Broward County Medical Examiner's Office is tasked with conducting autopsies to ascertain the cause of death. JetBlue has expressed deep sadness over the incident, describing the situation as heartbreaking and assuring the public that they are cooperating fully with the ongoing investigation. The Federal Aviation Administration noted that the aircraft’s landing gear compartment is frequently exploited by stowaways attempting to travel without proper authorization. This area, however, is characterized by its limited space, low oxygen levels, and freezing temperatures at high altitudes, which pose significant risks to individuals attempting such journeys. Past incidents involving stowaways highlight the severe dangers associated with this form of unauthorized travel, further complicating airport security protocols. The investigation will primarily focus on the timeline of events leading up to the discovery, including the determination of when and how the victims accessed the aircraft. Authorities will explore multiple angles, including potential security lapses, the adequacy of airport operations, and how future incidents involving stowaways might be prevented to ensure passenger safety.