Delta denies flying a Russian stowaway from Paris to New York

PARIS- A 57-year-old Russian woman faced challenges in her attempt to return to the United States (US) after illegally boarding (stowaway) a Delta Air Lines (DL) flight from New York (JFK) to Paris (CDG). .

The woman first broke through several security checkpoints at JFK Airport and successfully boarded a Delta flight from New York JFK to Paris-Charles-de-Gaulle Airport unnoticed until the flight was almost complete. Upon her arrival in France, she was immediately arrested by the French authorities and her asylum application was rejected.

Delta Russian Stowaway refuses to return

International aviation regulations require airlines to repatriate passengers who are denied entry into a country.

Delta Air Lines was originally scheduled to take the woman back to New York on a Saturday afternoon flight. However, this attempt was abruptly stopped when the woman caused considerable disturbance before the plane took off.

The French authorities then initiated a second repatriation attempt on Tuesday afternoon and sent them on Delta flight DL265 to New York JFK.

In an unexpected twist, Delta reportedly refused to transport the woman after she had already boarded the plane.

Hidden in the toilet

Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officials confirmed that the woman underwent normal security screening and was not in possession of any prohibited items.

However, investigators believe she hid in the plane’s lavatory for most of the flight, avoiding detection by flight attendants who are required to inspect the lavatories before departure.

Delta Air Lines initially refused to return the woman to the United States, even though she was escorted by six U.S. marshals.

If Delta cannot accommodate the woman on its scheduled flights, the airline may be forced to charter a private plane to transport her back to the United States, incurring significant additional costs.

Another passenger, Gary Treichler, recounted CNN about the stowaway’s defiant attitude during the flight and repeatedly quoted her as saying, “I don’t want to go back to the US. Only a judge can force me to go back to the US.”

Transportation Security Administration (TSA) inspectors are actively investigating the security breach at John F. Kennedy International Airport. Spokeswoman Alexa Lopez confirmed that the agency is preparing a civil lawsuit after reviewing security videos from the airport that highlighted possible procedural violations.

While the TSA cannot file criminal charges, the agency can refer potential criminal matters to the Department of Justice. The investigation is still ongoing to determine how the woman managed to bypass several security checkpoints without a ticket.

The woman was originally scheduled to be repatriated accompanied by six American marshals, although the US Marshals Service specifically stated that they were not involved in this particular operation.

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