A 13-year-old Afghan boy arrived at Delhi airport after secretly hiding inside the landing gear of a flight from Kabul.

🚨 *Daring Stowaway Incident at Delhi Airport: A 13-Year-Old Afghan Boy's Thrilling Journey*

In a shocking incident that has raised serious concerns about airport security, a 13-year-old Afghan boy managed to stow away in the landing gear compartment of a flight from Kabul to Delhi. The boy, a native of Kunduz city in northern Afghanistan, traveled approximately 1,000 kilometers in the wheel well of the aircraft, braving extreme temperatures and lack of oxygen.

*The Boy's Daring Journey*

According to officials, the boy sneaked into Kabul airport and climbed into the rear central landing gear compartment of Kam Air flight RQ-4401. The flight took off from Kabul International Airport at 8:45 AM and landed at Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport around 11:10 AM, after a two-hour journey. During the flight, the boy was exposed to temperatures that could have plummeted to between -40 and -60 degrees Celsius, and oxygen levels that could have caused him to lose consciousness or even die. However, the relatively low altitude of the flight likely contributed to his survival ¹ ².

*Apprehension and Repatriation*

Upon arrival, airline staff spotted the boy wandering near the aircraft and immediately alerted airport security. He was handed over to the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) personnel, who brought him to Terminal 3 for questioning. During interrogation, the boy claimed he had acted out of curiosity and didn't fully understand the risks involved. A small red speaker, believed to belong to him, was recovered from the landing gear compartment during a security inspection. After detailed questioning and review by all authorities concerned, the child was repatriated to Afghanistan on the same day, departing on another flight at around 12:30 PM ² ³.

*Security Implications*

This incident has raised serious questions about airport security, both in Kabul and Delhi. Authorities are investigating how the boy managed to bypass security checks and board the aircraft undetected. The incident highlights the need for enhanced security measures to prevent such occurrences in the future.

*Risks of Wheel-Well Stowaways*

Wheel-well stowaways are extremely rare and often end in tragedy. The risks associated with this type of travel are well-documented, with cases of hypothermia, oxygen deprivation, and even death reported in the past. In January 2024, the bodies of two men were found in the landing gear of a JetBlue flight from the Dominican Republic to Florida. Similarly, in December 2023, an Algerian youth was discovered in critical condition after flying from Oran to Paris, suffering from severe hypothermia ⁴.

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*Conclusion*

The daring journey of the 13-year-old Afghan boy serves as a stark reminder of the risks and consequences of stowaway attempts. While the boy's curiosity and determination are remarkable, the incident highlights the need for improved airport security and awareness about the dangers of such attempts. As authorities continue to investigate the incident, it is essential to recognize the importance of securing airports and preventing such occurrences in the future.