Particle.news

Download on the App Store

Afghan Boy, 13, Survives KabulDelhi Flight in Jet’s Wheel Well, Repatriated Same Day

The episode underscores concerns over security controls at Kabul airport.

Overview

  • KAM Air flight RQ4401, an Airbus A340, departed Kabul at about 8:46 am IST and landed in Delhi around 10:20 am after a roughly 94‑minute journey, according to flight‑tracking data.
  • A ground handler spotted the teen walking on the restricted apron at IGI Terminal 3; CISF detained him and handed him to immigration and police for questioning.
  • Officials said the boy tailgated passengers in Kabul before hiding in the rear central landing gear; he told interrogators he acted out of curiosity, with some reports noting he had intended to reach Iran.
  • Airline security and engineering teams conducted safety and anti‑sabotage checks, recovered a small red speaker from the wheel bay, and cleared the aircraft for service.
  • Authorities confirmed the minor was sent back to Afghanistan on a KAM Air return flight the same day, as experts highlighted that wheel‑well stowaway survival is exceptionally rare with a high mortality rate cited in FAA data.