Stowaway Discovered on Delta Flight From New York to Paris

A Delta Airlines plane takes off from LAX in Los Angeles, Calif., on Nov. 21, 2024. John Fredricks/The Epoch Times

A stowaway managed to board a Delta flight from New York’s JFK Airport to Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport on Tuesday, sparking investigations by U.S. and French authorities.

The woman was discovered mid-flight and detained upon arrival in Paris.

In a video shared by a passenger, the plane’s captain informed passengers, “We’re just waiting for the police to come on board ... they’ve directed us to keep everyone on the airplane until we sort out the extra passenger who’s on the plane.”

Delta issued a statement in response to the incident, emphasizing its commitment to safety and promising a full investigation.

“Nothing is of greater importance than matters of safety and security. That’s why Delta is conducting an exhaustive investigation of what may have occurred and will work collaboratively with other aviation stakeholders and law enforcement to that end,” the airline said.

The Epoch Times contacted the airline for comment.

It’s unclear how the woman was able to get through security and board the aircraft without a boarding pass.

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) said the woman passed through a security checkpoint, including advanced imaging and baggage scanning, but bypassed identity verification and boarding checks.

The woman did not have “any prohibited items,” the TSA said in a statement to media outlets.

“The individual bypassed two identity verification and boarding status stations and was able to board the aircraft,” the TSA said.