A 13-year-old boy from Afghanistan survived a flight from Kabul to New Delhi while hidden in the wheel well of a commercial aircraft. The dangerous 94-minute journey concluded on Sunday, September 21, with the boy landing safely at Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi, despite the severe risks associated with such an attempt.
The flight was operated by KAM Air, an airline from Afghanistan. It departed from Kabul’s Hamid Karzai International Airport at 8:46 AM IST. The aircraft arrived at Terminal 3 in Delhi at 10:20 AM.
Key Takeaways
- A 13-year-old Afghan boy survived a flight hidden in an aircraft's wheel well.
- The journey was 94 minutes from Kabul to Delhi.
- Survival in wheel wells is extremely rare due to cold and lack of oxygen.
- This is only the second known case of a stowaway surviving a flight into India.
Dangerous Journey and Accidental Destination
Reports indicate the boy, dressed in traditional Afghan clothing, had originally intended to travel to Iran. He mistakenly boarded the flight bound for India. The boy managed to enter the Kabul airport by following other passengers closely. He evaded security checks and then hid inside the rear wheel well of the aircraft.
The presence of a person in the wheel well goes largely undetected during flight. This is a critical security and safety failure at the departure airport.
Survival Odds
Survival rates for stowaways in aircraft wheel wells are extremely low. Experts estimate only about 20% survive globally. The primary dangers include freezing temperatures, lack of oxygen, and mechanical hazards from moving parts.
Discovery and Response at Delhi Airport
The boy’s presence was not discovered until after the aircraft had landed in Delhi. A ground handler at the airport spotted him walking in a restricted area on the apron. Airport authorities were immediately informed about the sighting.
The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) quickly detained the boy. He was then handed over to the airport police for further processing. Due to his age, the 13-year-old boy will not face any legal charges.
Aviation experts expressed significant surprise at his survival. Stowing away in the wheel well is almost always fatal, they noted. The extreme cold at high altitudes, combined with a severe lack of oxygen, typically leads to death.
Understanding the Risks of Wheel Well Stowaways
Aircraft wheel wells are not pressurized or heated. At cruising altitudes, temperatures can drop to below -50 degrees Celsius (-58 degrees Fahrenheit). The air pressure is also very low, similar to what is experienced at altitudes of over 30,000 feet. This leads to hypoxia, a condition where the body is deprived of adequate oxygen.
The combination of extreme cold and lack of oxygen can cause unconsciousness, hypothermia, and ultimately death. Additionally, the retraction and extension of the landing gear during takeoff and landing present severe mechanical dangers, risking injury or crushing.
Past Incidents
This incident marks only the second known case of a stowaway successfully surviving a flight into India. The first recorded event occurred in 1996. In that instance, two brothers, Pradeep and Vijay Saini, attempted to stow away on a British Airways flight from Delhi to London. While Pradeep survived the journey, Vijay was found deceased upon arrival at Heathrow Airport.
Security Implications and Future Measures
The incident highlights potential vulnerabilities in airport security protocols. The fact that a minor could bypass security checks and access an aircraft undetected raises concerns. Airports continually review and update their security measures to prevent such occurrences.
Authorities will likely investigate how the boy was able to enter a restricted area and conceal himself in the aircraft. This review aims to strengthen security procedures at both departure and arrival airports, ensuring the safety and integrity of air travel.
- Enhanced Perimeter Security: Airports may need to reinforce fencing and surveillance around their perimeters.
- Improved Passenger Screening: More stringent checks could be implemented for passengers entering sterile areas.
- Aircraft Inspection Protocols: Ground crews might perform more thorough checks of aircraft before departure.
Aviation safety remains a top priority for airlines and airport operators worldwide. Incidents like these serve as crucial reminders to continuously adapt and improve security frameworks.
