An Afghan boy stowed away on a flight to India, authorities confirmed Monday, highlighting the extreme risks migrants take in search of better lives. The child was discovered after the plane landed in Delhi, having reportedly hidden in the aircraft’s landing gear.
The incident underscores the perilous methods individuals employ to undertake long-distance travel, even in the face of possibly fatal consequences. While the boy’s identity has not been released, officials stated he was repatriated to Afghanistan later the same day. This case brings renewed attention to the dangers of stowing away on aircraft and the broader challenges of migration and displacement.
The journey from Kabul, Afghanistan, to Delhi, India, is approximately 1,000 kilometers (621 miles), and the flight duration was around an hour and a half. A small red audio speaker was found near where the boy had been concealed within the plane.
Hiding in a plane’s wheel well is a frequently attempted, yet incredibly hazardous, tactic for those seeking to travel undetected. According to the Federal Aviation Administration, more than 77% of people who have attempted such journeys have died.
the risks are substantial. Stowaways face the threat of being crushed when the landing gear retracts,as the space available is frequently enough smaller than a car’s trunk. furthermore, at higher altitudes, oxygen levels plummet, potentially leading to unconsciousness. Temperatures also drop dramatically, exposing individuals to the risk of frostbite and hypothermia.
