A 13-year-old boy from Afghanistan risked his life by hiding in a plane’s landing gear. He traveled from Kabul to Delhi on Sunday but was repatriated the same day, officials confirmed on Monday.
KAM Airlines staff spotted the boy roaming near flight number RQ-4401. The incident was reported to security at around 11:10 AM, about half an hour after the flight landed.
How He Hid in the Plane
An official from the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) said, “Upon inquiry, it was revealed that he travelled by hiding himself in the rear central landing gear compartment of the aircraft.”
The boy is from Kunduz city in Afghanistan. Airline security and engineering staff conducted a safety check in the landing gear area. During this check, they found a small red-colored speaker.
After questioning and reviewing the incident, authorities arranged for the child’s return. He was repatriated on KAM Airlines flight RQ 4402, which departed the same afternoon.
The Danger of Hiding in Plane Landing Gear
Hiding in the wheel or landing gear of a plane is extremely dangerous. At high altitudes, temperatures drop to -60°C and oxygen levels fall sharply. Aviation experts warn that only 1 in 5 stowaways survives such trips. The risks include being crushed by wheels, falling, or losing consciousness due to freezing and low oxygen.
This recent incident is the second reported stowaway case in India. In 1996, two brothers stowed away on a British Airways flight from Delhi to London. One survived, but the other tragically died.
Reel Life Parallel: Shiddat Movie
The incident has drawn attention due to a scene in the Bollywood movie Shiddat. In the film, a man, Jaggi, hides in the tyre compartment of a flight to follow his love story. Like the movie, the Afghan boy took a similar risk in real life. However, unlike the film, authorities acted quickly to ensure his safety.
Experts say the real-life survival of stowaways is far more dangerous than portrayed on screen. While movies show it as adventurous, actual conditions in landing gear compartments are life-threatening.
Safety Measures and Awareness
Airport authorities and airlines remind people never to attempt such risky actions. Officials stress that stowing away is illegal and life-threatening. Quick action by airline staff, security, and engineering teams was crucial in ensuring the boy’s survival.
This incident highlights both the extreme risks young people take and the importance of vigilance at airports.
